Tensions reached a breaking point on State Highway 60 as the family of Soumya Ranjan Swain, joined by Maujpur villagers, blocked the Phulnakhara-Niali road with his body. Protesters are demanding immediate justice, chanting slogans against the brutal mob lynching that claimed the young man's life.
Soumya's father has leveled a shocking allegation, claiming the murder was a planned conspiracy.
He noted that a gym owner owed Soumya 14 months of unpaid salary, suggesting the "misconduct" allegation was a setup. The family also slammed the police, questioning why officers present at the scene failed to intervene while Soumya was tied up and "beaten like an animal."
Current Status:
Police Response: DGP Y.B. Khurania and Police Commissioner Suresh Devdutt Singh visited the site and briefed the Chief Secretary.
Arrests: Five individuals are in custody; police are scanning CCTV footage to identify more attackers.
Official Stance: Authorities have vowed that "no one who takes the law into their own hands will be spared."
While the administration promises a thorough probe, the community remains outraged over the collapse of law and order and the horrifying nature of the vigilantism.