Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Crime Branch on Thursday arrested the prime accused in the Balianta mob assault case in which Government Railway Police (GRP) constable Soumya Ranjan Swain died after allegedly being beaten by the mob earlier this month.

According to the Crime Branch, the accused, identified as Chinu alias Ranjit Patra (24) of Gangeswargada under Sadar police limits in Cuttack, was arrested based on substantial evidence collected during the investigation.

Ranjit allegedly assaulted Soumya Ranjan Swain on the head and a vital part of the body with a bamboo stick after the constable’s hands and legs had been tied with ropes by the mob.

Earlier, another accused, Bunty alias Judhisthira Jena (22), had been arrested on May 11 and forwarded to court.

With the latest arrest, the total number of accused persons arrested in connection with the case has risen to 13. Of them, 11 had earlier been arrested by the local police before the Crime Branch took over the investigation.

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

The incident had taken place in the Balianta area on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar city on May 7 at around 11.30 am. According to allegations, two women travelling on a scooter were hit from behind by a motorcycle carrying Soumya Ranjan Swain and his associate Om Prakash Rout.

Following the accident, Swain allegedly assaulted the women and attempted to rape one of them, triggering outrage among locals and passersby who gathered at the spot.

The crowd allegedly thrashed Swain severely. He later succumbed to his injuries while videos of the assault went viral on social media.

The Crime Branch is investigating all aspects of the case, including the mob assault that led to Swain’s death and the allegations of attempted rape against the deceased constable.

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