Bhubaneswar: In a significant development in the case surrounding the death of GRP constable Soumyaranjan Swain, the Odisha government on Thursday suspended senior IPS officer Dayal Gangwar.

Gangwar was serving as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Home Department at the time of the action. According to reports, the suspension was ordered by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.

The officer came under scrutiny following Swain’s death, after the Constable’s family levelled serious allegations against him. They accused Gangwar of forcing Swain to carry out personal work unrelated to official duties and subjecting him to mental harassment.

Earlier, in the wake of the controversy, Gangwar had been transferred from his post as Additional Director General (ADG), Communication, and posted as OSD in the Home Department.

The latest action follows a probe conducted by senior IPS officer Arun Bothra.

The Crime Branch is further investigating the matter.