Bhubaneswar, June 18 (UDN): In a significant development in the high-profile death case of GRP constable Soumya Ranjan Swain, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday ordered the suspension of senior IPS officer Dayal Gangwar.
The action comes amid ongoing investigations into the death of Soumya Ranjan Swain, a resident of Balianta, whose demise following an alleged mob assault in May had sparked widespread public outrage across the state.
Gangwar had come under scrutiny after Soumya’s family accused the senior police officer of subjecting the constable to mental harassment during his tenure under him. The allegations intensified demands for accountability and prompted administrative action.
Prior to his suspension, Gangwar had been transferred from his previous assignment and posted as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Home Department. The latest decision by the Chief Minister marks a major step as the Crime Branch continues its probe into the circumstances surrounding Soumya’s death.
Soumya’s father alleged that his son faced repeated harassment while serving under Gangwar. According to him, the constable was allegedly assigned personal duties, including providing massages to the officer and his family members. He further claimed that Gangwar had obtained protein supplements from Soumya without making payments.
Soumya’s mother also alleged that her son was regularly asked to procure protein powder for the officer and that the physical strain from the assigned tasks had adversely affected his health.
The allegations have remained a focal point of public discussion since Soumya’s death and have raised questions about the treatment of subordinate personnel within the police force.
The case dates back to May 7, when Soumya Ranjan Swain and another youth were allegedly assaulted by a mob near the Bhingarpur-Kaja area on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar following accusations of misconduct by two women. Both were reportedly beaten by local residents, and Soumya later succumbed to his injuries while the other youth survived.
With the suspension of Dayal Gangwar, attention is once again focused on the ongoing investigation, as authorities seek to establish the full sequence of events and determine whether the allegations of harassment had any connection to the tragic incident.
Further details are awaited as the Crime Branch investigation progresses.