Odisha Crime Branch Makes 12th Arrest in GRP Constable Killing as Probe Comes Under Scrutiny

Overview

• The GRP constable, accused of assaulting two women, was beaten to death near Balianta’s Ramachandrapur bridge on May 7 after a roadside clash escalated.
• The Crime Branch has arrested 12 of about 16 identified suspects and, three days into its takeover, has yet to question one of the two alleged women victims.
• A forensic review found the constable injected about 30 ml of a performance steroid—triple a typical 10 ml dose—which witnesses and police statements say preceded erratic behavior.
• Crime Branch chief Vinaytosh Mishra said India’s new mob-lynching law under BNS Section 103 applies only when five or more act on motives like caste, religion or sex, and it could be added if such grounds emerge.
• Oversight has intensified, with the NHRC directing DGP Y B Khurania to submit a personal report in 15 days and police suspending four officers, removing two home guards, and shifting the Balianta station chief after preliminary findings.