Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Crime Branch has arrested the main accused in the sensational Balianta mob assault case in which Government Railway Police (GRP) constable Soumya Ranjan Swain died after allegedly being attacked by a mob.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Crime Branch said the prime accused, Binod Kumar Behera (48) of Satya Nagar in Bhubaneswar, was apprehended from the Indupur area of Kendrapara district on the night of May 25.

The agency said the arrest was made based on substantial evidence collected during the course of the investigation. With the latest arrest, the total number of accused persons arrested in connection with the case has risen to 16.

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

The case relates to the death of GRP constable Soumya Ranjan Swain following a mob attack in 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 hit a scooter carrying two women from behind. 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 thrashed Swain severely. He later succumbed to his injuries. Videos of the assault 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.