Railway Constable Tied To Pole, Beaten To Death In Odisha Over Alleged Assault On Women

A suspended Government Railway Police constable was allegedly lynched by a mob after he and another man were accused of attempting to sexually assault two women on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, triggering outrage and sharp political reactions across Odisha.

The incident took place near Ramchandrapur under Balianta police station limits on the Hanspal-Nimapara road on Thursday morning. The deceased was identified as Soumya Ranjan Swain , a suspended GRP constable posted in Cuttack. His associate, Om Prakash Rout, sustained critical injuries and is undergoing treatment.

According to police, the two accused intercepted a scooter carrying two women and allegedly pushed them onto the road before attacking them. Bhubaneswar DCP Jagmohan Meena said, “The two men, who were on a bike, first overtook the two women on a scooter, then returned and assaulted the ladies. The locals rescued the women and attacked the two men. One of them died.”

One of the women alleged that the accused strangled her, tore her clothes and attempted to drag her into a nearby room. Her screams alerted locals, who rushed to the spot and brutally assaulted the duo.

Videos circulating on social media allegedly showed Swain tied to an iron pole and dragged while being beaten. Police are examining the footage to identify more suspects. So far, five people have been arrested in connection with the lynching.

Police Commissioner S Dev Datta Singh rejected allegations that police remained inactive during the violence. “Our policeman deserves appreciation for handling the mob carefully,” he said.

The DCP further said Swain appeared to be behaving abnormally during the incident. “Even he attempted to bite police personnel when they were rescuing him,” Meena added.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi ordered a detailed probe and strict action against all those involved, while DGP Y B Khurania visited the crime scene on Friday.