Bhubaneswar, 08 May (H.S.): Police have arrested four persons in connection with the alleged mob lynching of a youth in the Balianta area of Bhubaneswar, while efforts are underway to identify and apprehend more accused involved in the incident.

Sources said the four arrested individuals are currently being questioned, and the number of detainees is likely to increase as video footage reportedly indicates the involvement of several others in the assault.

According to police sources, special teams led by senior officials have been constituted to investigate the case, and raids are being conducted at multiple locations to trace the remaining suspects. The Commissionerate Police has also deployed adequate police personnel at Balianta Police Station to prevent any untoward situation.

The incident took place around 10 a.m. on Thursday near the Ramchandrapur bridge in the Bhingarapur area under Balianta police limits. The deceased has been identified as Soumya Ranjan Swain of Adaspur, while another youth, Om Prakash Rout, sustained critical injuries in the attack.

Police said the two youths were allegedly assaulted by a mob following accusations of attempting to sexually assault two women. Two separate complaints have been lodged at Balianta police station — one by the women against Swain and another by Swain’s family against unidentified persons involved in the assault.

Meanwhile, Rout, who was accompanying Swain at the time of the incident, remains in police custody and his statement has been recorded as part of the investigation.

Preliminary investigation suggests that the incident began after the motorcycle ridden by Swain and Rout allegedly collided with another two-wheeler carrying two women near Ramchandrapur, leading to a verbal altercation between the two groups.

The women later alleged that the two youths attempted to sexually assault them and dialled the emergency helpline number 112. Soon after, local residents gathered at the spot. The mob allegedly assaulted the two youths and tied their hands and legs using a bamboo stick.

Both injured youths were later shifted to hospital, where Swain succumbed to his injuries. Rout is currently undergoing treatment at Capital Hospital.

Swain was reportedly serving as a railway police personnel and also operated a gym.

Jagmohan Meena said a rape allegation has been lodged against Swain by the complainant and that further investigation into the matter is in progress. He added that police are identifying those involved in the assault through available video footage and assured that appropriate legal action would be taken against all accused persons.

The DCP also clarified that no assault on the youths took place in the presence of PCR personnel, stating that the PCR team rescued both individuals from the spot and shifted them to hospital for treatment.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda