Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Crime Branch has arrested another accused in connection with the Balianta mob assault case that led to the death of Government Railway Police (GRP) constable Soumya Ranjan Swain, taking the total number of arrests in the case to 18.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Crime Branch said the prime accused, Pradeep Managara alias Dipu (46), a resident of Benupur under Balianta police limits, was apprehended from Dhenkanal on the night of June 1 based on substantial evidence collected during the investigation.

The agency said efforts are continuing to identify and apprehend other individuals involved in the incident.

“The investigation is continuing on a priority basis, and efforts are underway to identify and apprehend other persons involved in the incident,” the Crime Branch stated.

The case relates to the death of GRP constable Soumya Ranjan Swain following a mob attack at Balianta on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar on May 7.

According to allegations, Swain and his associate, Om Prakash Rout, were travelling on a motorcycle when they allegedly hit a scooter carrying two women. It was alleged that Swain assaulted the women and attempted to rape one of them, triggering outrage among locals and passersby who gathered at the spot.

The crowd allegedly assaulted Swain, causing severe injuries that later resulted in his death. Videos of the incident had gone viral on social media.

Police have registered two separate cases in connection with the incident. One case pertains to the alleged murder of Swain, while the other relates to the alleged attempt to rape the woman.