Breakthrough in Balianta Lynching: Ashok Jena Held
Bhubaneswar, May 28: The CID Crime Branch has arrested Ashok Jena alias Geda, the prime accused in the Balianta mob lynching case that claimed the life of GRP constable Soumya Ranjan Swain on May 7, 2026.
Jena, 45, a resident of Gangeswargada under Cuttack Sadar Police Station, was apprehended from Hotel Regal Stay in Patia, Bhubaneswar.
Investigators allege he played a direct role in the brutal assault that led to Swain’s death in the Bhingarpur–Kaja area under Balianta Police Station.
The case has been registered under sections 103(1)/3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
With Jena’s arrest, the number of accused in custody has risen to 17.
The Crime Branch has deployed multiple teams to identify and apprehend other suspects involved in the incident.
Officials described the arrest as a major breakthrough in the probe, underscoring the agency’s commitment to ensuring justice in the high‑profile case.
