Bhubaneswar, Jun 5: Fresh questions emerged in the investigation into the lynching of GRP constable Soumya Ranjan Swain at Balianta after an alleged audio clip of his female friend and purported WhatsApp chats relating to a dispute between Soumya and his friend Om Prakash Rout surfaced on social media.

The developments come days after the Crime Branch arrested another accused in the case, taking the total number of arrests to 18.

Alleged Audio, Chats Spark Debate
According to claims being circulated on social media, the viral audio contains statements by a woman said to be a friend of Soumya, who allegedly spoke about an earlier dispute between Soumya and Om.

The controversy centres around purported WhatsApp conversations dating back to November last year, in which references were allegedly made to differences between the two over a gym at Satya Vihar. The chats reportedly suggest that Soumya had, through the woman, asked Om not to visit a gym at Adaspur.

The authenticity of the audio clip and chats has not been independently verified, and investigating agencies have not made any official statement regarding the material.

Demand For Scrutiny Of Om’s Call Records
Following the circulation of the audio and chats, Soumya's family has demanded a detailed examination of Om's call detail records (CDR).

Family members sought answers on whom Om spoke to on May 7, whether he had repeated conversations with any individual, and whether any significant communication took place before the incident.

They also demanded that investigators trace and analyse Soumya's mobile phone, which they claim remains unaccounted for.

Questions Raised Over Investigation
Soumya's parents also questioned the direction of the Crime Branch investigation, alleging that the probe has so far focused primarily on arrests.

They sought the inclusion of provisions relating to mob violence and demanded a broader investigation into the circumstances leading to the incident, including the actions of all persons present before and during the assault.

Crime Branch Continues Probe
The Crime Branch on June 2 arrested another accused, identified as Pradeep Mangaraj alias Dipu of Benupur under Balianta, taking the total number of arrests in the case to 18.

Investigators stated that several accused allegedly played different roles during the assault and that efforts are continuing to trace other suspects who remain absconding.

Also Read: Crime Branch Nabs Another Accused In Balianta Soumya Murder Case; Arrest Count Rises To 18

Case That Shocked Odisha
The case relates to the death of 32-year-old GRP constable Soumya Ranjan Swain, a resident of Moujpur in Cuttack district, who was allegedly lynched by a mob near Ramachandrapur in the Bhingarpur-Kaja area under Balianta police station limits.

Police had earlier stated that Soumya and his friend Om Prakash Rout were allegedly involved in an altercation with two young women. Locals subsequently intercepted them, following which Soumya was allegedly assaulted by a crowd. Om reportedly managed to escape from the spot.

Videos that later surfaced on social media showed Soumya being tied up and physically assaulted by a group of people.

He was initially taken to Balakati Community Health Centre and later shifted to Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar, where he was declared dead.