Prime Accused Pradeep Mangaraj Arrested in Soumya Murder Case | Odisha CID Breakthrough

Bhubaneswar, June 2: The Odisha CID Crime Branch has arrested Pradeep Mangaraj alias Dipu, the prime accused in the murder of GRP constable Soumya Ranjan Swain. The incident took place on May 7 in the Bhingarpur–Kaja area.

Mangaraj, aged 46 and a resident of Benupur under Balianta police station limits, was apprehended in Dhenkanal following strong evidence linking him to the crime. The case has been registered under CID CB Police Station Case No. 06/2026, connected to Balianta PS Case No. 221/2026.

Investigators confirmed Mangaraj’s direct involvement in the assault that led to Swain’s death. His arrest marks a major breakthrough in the probe, which has already seen 18 accused persons taken into custody. Authorities emphasised that the investigation remains active, with further arrests expected.