GRP Constable Beaten to Death by Mob in Bhubaneswar After Molestation Allegation

Bhubaneshwar, 8th May 2026: A Government Railway Police (GRP) constable was allegedly beaten to death by a mob on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar after he and another man were accused of sexually assaulting two women travelling on a scooter. The incident, which took place in broad daylight near Ramachandrapur under Balianta police limits on Thursday, has triggered outrage over both the alleged assault and the mob violence that followed.

The deceased has been identified as 32-year-old Soumya Ranjan Swain, a GRP constable from Odisha’s Cuttack district. Another man, identified as Om Prakash Rout, sustained critical injuries in the attack and is undergoing treatment.

According to police, Swain and Rout were travelling on a motorcycle when it allegedly collided with a scooter carrying two girls near a bridge on the Hanspal-Nimapara road. Investigators said the girls later alleged that while helping them after the collision, the two men misbehaved with them and attempted molestation and rape. After the women raised an alarm, residents gathered at the spot and allegedly attacked both men.

Videos circulating online reportedly showed Swain tied to a pole with his hands and feet bound while being assaulted by a crowd. Reports also claimed the incident unfolded in the presence of police personnel, who allegedly failed to intervene in time.

Police said Swain later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. His family has accused the police of inaction, alleging that timely intervention or medical assistance could have saved his life. “He was beaten to death in front of the police,” his mother told local media while demanding action against officers present at the scene.

Bhubaneswar Commissioner of Police S Dev Datta Singh said separate cases have been registered, one based on the woman’s complaint alleging attempted molestation and rape, and another related to the lynching. He said those involved in the mob attack would be identified and prosecuted.

Police have so far arrested multiple people in connection with the mob assault and are examining videos from the scene to identify others involved. Senior Odisha Police officials, including the DGP, visited the spot on Friday as the investigation intensified.

The case has also taken a political turn, with opposition leaders criticising the state government over rising incidents of mob violence and law-and-order concerns in Odisha after visuals of the attack spread widely online.