Crime News / Crime Branch Not Under Any External Pressure in Soumya Ranjan Swain Death Case, Says Odisha DGP in-charge

Bhubaneswar, Oct 6: Odisha Director General of Police (DGP in-charge) Vinaytosh Mishra on Tuesday has asserted that the Crime Branch is conducting a professional investigation into the death of constable Soumya Ranjan Swain and is not working under any external pressure.

“The Crime Branch is working in a completely professional manner, and there is no question of it functioning under any external pressure or influence,” Mishra said while responding to questions over the investigation.

Some Initially Arrested Were Later Found Innocent
The DGP in-charge said that during the initial stage of the case, the FIR contained only nicknames of some individuals and certain arrests were made amid pressure surrounding the incident. However, the Crime Branch later found some of those arrested to be innocent during its investigation, following which they were released.

“At the initial stage of the incident, the FIR contained only nicknames, and some people were arrested due to pressure. However, when the Crime Branch subsequently investigated and found them innocent, they were released,” Mishra said.

DGP Explains Polygraph Test
Responding to questions surrounding the use of lie detection tests in the case, the DGP said such tests are considered when investigators develop doubts over a person's statement.

“A lie detection test is conducted when doubts arise over someone's statement. Subjecting a person to a lie detection test merely because they have made an allegation, and treating them as a suspect from the beginning, would go against the basic principles of investigation,” he said.

Mishra added that investigators had doubts in certain areas concerning the statement of Soumya's friend Om, following which his polygraph test was conducted.

The Crime Branch is now preparing to conduct polygraph tests on the two women linked to the incident.

‘Every Point Raised By Soumya’s Father Covered’
The DGP in-charge further said investigators have examined every point raised by Soumya's father.

“Every point raised by Soumya's father has been covered in the investigation. Police have sufficient scientific evidence, including the date and time of the incident, eyewitness statements and video footage,” Mishra said.

He added that the investigation would continue until the complete facts surrounding the incident were established.

What Happened To Soumya?
The incident occurred near Ramachandrapur Bridge in Balianta on May 7. Soumya and his friend Om Prakash had arrived on a motorcycle, while two young women were travelling on a scooter.

Following allegations of a vehicle collision and subsequent molestation, Soumya was allegedly attacked by a group of people and severely assaulted. His family, however, alleged that his death was the result of a conspiracy rather than a spontaneous altercation.

The case subsequently triggered widespread attention, and the investigation was taken up by the Crime Branch.

During the probe, Om Prakash underwent a polygraph test at the State Forensic Science Laboratory (SFSL) after the necessary legal process and his consent.

Also Read: Soumya Swain Mob Lynching Case: Close Friend's Lie Test Raises IPS Link Suspicions

Soumya's family has also repeatedly sought a thorough examination of the statements of the two women linked to the incident, alleging that a larger conspiracy may have been behind his death.

Around 20 accused persons have so far been arrested in connection with the case, while investigators are preparing to seek warrants against other absconding accused.

The post-mortem examination reportedly documented 21 injuries on Soumya's body and identified severe brain trauma as the primary cause of death.