Odisha Police DG Addresses Mob Lynching Concerns in GRP Constable Case

Odisha Police's Crime Branch DG, Vinaytosh Mishra, defends the charges against those arrested in the death of GRP constable Soumya Ranjan Swain. While charged with murder, Mishra states mob lynching provisions could be applied if further investigation reveals it was warranted.

Odisha Police's Crime Branch Director General, Vinaytosh Mishra, addressed concerns arising from the charges leveled in the death of GRP constable Soumya Ranjan Swain. Mishra declared that provisions for mob lynching in the BNS law could still be invoked if evidence during the investigation necessitates.

Criticism has emerged over the charge of murder, suggesting a need for specific mob lynching sections under the BNS. However, the FIR lacks any reference to mob lynching parameters such as race or community, Mishra explained on Monday, following questions about the charges against the 11 arrested individuals.

The constable was beaten to death on May 7, following accusations he attacked two women and attempted rape. The Crime Branch team has since met with the women involved as investigations continue, evaluating prima facie involvement for additional arrests.