Bhubaneswar, 14 May (H.S.): The Odisha Crime Branch has arrested the prime accused in the sensational mob lynching case that occurred on May 7 in the Bhingarpur-Kaja area under Balianta Police Station limits in Khordha district.

According to a statement issued by the CID Crime Branch on Thursday, the accused, Ranjit Patra alias Chinu (24), a resident of Gangeswargada under Sadar police limits in Cuttack, was arrested based on substantial evidence gathered during the investigation.

Investigators revealed that the accused allegedly tied the victim’s hands and legs with ropes before assaulting him on the head with a bamboo stick, resulting in his death.

With the latest arrest, the total number of accused persons apprehended in connection with the case has risen to 13. Of them, 11 were earlier arrested by the local police, while another accused, Bunty alias Judhisthira Jena (22), was arrested by the Crime Branch on May 11.

The case has been registered under Sections 103(1) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. The state government had earlier directed the Crime Branch to take over the investigation.

Officials said the investigation is continuing on a priority basis, and efforts are underway to identify and arrest the remaining accused involved in the crime.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda