Bhubaneswar: Odisha Police on Sunday suspended four police personnel of Balianta police station and removed two home guards from service as a disciplinary action in the mob lynching case. The decision follows mounting criticism over police handling of the incident.
According to the order, three staff members from the Balianta police station – one Sub-Inspector, one Assistant Sub-Inspector, and one Odisha Auxiliary Police Force (OAPF) member — have been suspended. One home guard attached to the same unit received notice to discontinue his services.
From the PCR 42 vehicle staff, one constable has been suspended, and another home guard has been removed from duty. In total, four police personnel stand suspended while two home guards have been formally disengaged. Additionally, Balianta police station IIC Anil Kumar Parida has been attached to the UPD headquarters in Bhubaneswar. Inspector Rashmita Behera has been posted as the new IIC of Balianta PS.
The action comes after the mob killing of GRP constable Saumya Ranjan Swain, which triggered outrage across Odisha. Authorities assured that further measures will follow as investigations progress.