Mob Violence / Balianta Police under Fire as Man Critical after Attack, Family Demands Justice

Bhubaneswar, August 12: Balianta police station has once again come under controversy, just three months after the mob violence that claimed GRP constable Soumya Ranjan Swain’s life. On Sunday evening, another serious crime was reported in Sudha Sarangi village under its jurisdiction.

According to family members and villagers, Lakshmidhar Swain was brutally assaulted by a group of youths and is now battling for life in a coma. He remains on a ventilator at the hospital.

Despite the attack occurring four days ago, police have yet to arrest the accused, sparking outrage among locals. Hundreds of villagers, including women, staged a protest and gherao the police station, demanding immediate action.

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Witnesses said the incident occurred on August 9 when Lakshmidhar went to the market to buy vegetables. Near Brahman Sarangi Square, a group of intoxicated youths allegedly attacked him with iron rods, leaving him grievously injured. Villagers claim the assailants threw him behind the school premises after the assault.

One woman protester recounted, “On Sunday evening, Lakshmidhar went to the market. Earlier, he had objected when some youths broke the school lock. Later, while returning, they attacked him mercilessly.”

His wife added, “My husband had no enmity with anyone. They beat him and threw him behind the school. He was the sole breadwinner of our family. We demand justice and immediate arrest of the accused.”

The incident has reignited questions over police accountability in Balianta. Villagers allege the accused continue to roam freely without fear. The demand for strict action has grown louder, with locals insisting on swift arrests and deterrent measures.

The May 7 mob attack that killed Soumya had already placed Balianta police under scrutiny. Now, with another violent case surfacing within three months, public anger has intensified over what many see as police inaction and failure.