Bhubaneswar, June 19: In a significant development linked to the high-profile death of Government Railway Police (GRP) constable Soumya Ranjan Swain, the Odisha government has suspended senior IPS officer Dayal Gangwar following allegations raised by the deceased constable’s family.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi approved the suspension of Gangwar, a 1998-batch IPS officer who was serving as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Home Department. The decision comes amid an ongoing investigation into claims that the senior officer subjected Swain to harassment before his tragic death in May.
The action marks another major step in the state’s efforts to address concerns surrounding the controversial case, which sparked widespread public outrage and political debate across Odisha.
Constable’s Death Triggered Statewide Attention
Soumya Ranjan Swain lost his life in a mob attack on May 7 in the Bhingarpur-Kaja area under Balianta Police Station on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar.
According to investigators, the incident occurred after a woman accused the constable of attempting to sexually assault her following a road accident involving his motorcycle and her scooter. The allegations quickly spread in the locality, leading to a violent mob assault.
Police said Swain was allegedly tied to a pole and brutally beaten by a group of people. The attack ultimately resulted in his death, drawing condemnation from various quarters and raising concerns about mob justice and law enforcement failures.
Family Alleges Harassment by Senior Officer
While the lynching investigation was underway, Swain’s family made serious allegations against Dayal Gangwar, claiming the constable had been subjected to continuous mental and physical harassment during his service.
Family members alleged that the pressure exerted on Swain significantly affected his well-being and demanded that investigators examine the officer’s role while probing the circumstances surrounding the constable’s death.
The allegations prompted authorities to expand the scope of the investigation beyond the mob violence case.
Following the controversy, the Odisha government transferred Gangwar from his earlier assignment and posted him as Officer on Special Duty in the Home Department pending further examination of the matter.
Inquiry Ordered Into Allegations
To verify the family’s claims, the state government entrusted Additional Director General of Police (Railways) Arun Bothra with conducting a detailed inquiry.
The investigation focused on accusations that Swain had been compelled to perform personal and household tasks unrelated to his official police responsibilities.
Officials were also directed to examine whether the emotional stress and concerns reportedly documented by the constable in his personal diary had any connection to events leading up to the fatal incident.
Sources indicated that the inquiry findings were submitted to the Director General of Police last month after a comprehensive review of available evidence and statements from concerned individuals.
Political Debate Intensifies
The issue also became a subject of political confrontation in Odisha.
The opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) repeatedly questioned the relationship between Swain and Gangwar, claiming the constable had been engaged in activities outside his official duties.
Party leaders alleged that Swain was assigned work at the senior officer’s residence and gymnasium rather than being utilized for regular policing responsibilities.
The opposition demanded transparency in the investigation and sought accountability from all individuals found responsible for any misconduct connected to the case.
The allegations further intensified public scrutiny of administrative practices and raised broader concerns regarding the treatment of lower-ranking police personnel.
Multiple Officials Face Action
The state government has already initiated disciplinary measures against several personnel in connection with the case.
Earlier, four police officials were suspended over alleged lapses and conduct related to the incident. Authorities also disengaged two home guards and transferred the inspector-in-charge of Balianta Police Station as part of departmental action.
Officials stated that these measures were intended to ensure an impartial investigation and reinforce accountability within the police system.
Progress in Lynching Investigation
Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies continue to pursue the criminal investigation into the mob attack that claimed Swain’s life.
Police have so far arrested 18 individuals, including the alleged main accused, in connection with the lynching.
Investigators are examining witness statements, forensic evidence, and digital records to reconstruct the sequence of events that culminated in the fatal assault.
Authorities maintain that all aspects of the case are being thoroughly investigated and that further action will be taken based on evidence gathered during the probe.
Focus Remains on Accountability
The suspension of Dayal Gangwar has added a new dimension to an already sensitive case that has drawn attention from civil society groups, political parties, and the general public.
As investigators continue their work, the case has highlighted concerns about mob violence, workplace conduct within law enforcement agencies, and the importance of ensuring institutional accountability.
The Odisha government has reiterated its commitment to conducting a fair and transparent inquiry while ensuring that those responsible for any wrongdoing are held accountable under the law.
With multiple investigations progressing simultaneously, the outcome is expected to have significant implications for administrative accountability and policing standards in the state.