TNI Bureau: In a significant development, the Odisha Police has ordered an inquiry into allegations that deceased GRP constable Soumya Ranjan Swain was allegedly engaged in domestic work by Senior IPS officer, ADG Dayal Gangwar. The inquiry follows a complaint filed before the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) by petitioner Bhajaman Biswal.

The NHRC had sought a report on the allegations through a reference sent to the state police authorities. Acting on the NHRC’s direction, the CID-Crime Branch has instructed the office of the Additional Director General of Police (Railway & Coastal Security), ADG Arun Bothra, to conduct a detailed inquiry into the matter.

The letter directs the inquiry officer to examine the allegations raised in the petition and submit a comprehensive report to the concerned authorities for onward transmission to the NHRC. The communication states that the action has been initiated with the approval of the Director General of Police, Odisha.

The case has attracted attention due to the serious nature of the allegations involving the alleged misuse of police personnel for personal domestic work, a practice prohibited under service rules. The findings of the inquiry headed by ADG Arun Bothra are expected to determine whether departmental or further legal action is warranted.

The issue had snowballed into a major controversy after Soumya Ranjan was tortured and lynched by an irate mob in Balianta area, on the outskirts of Bhubaneswarm on May 7, 2026, on the charges of molestation of a stranger woman. At least 16 people have been arrested in connection with the case. Some outsiders were also found involved in the murder while Soumya’s friend Om, who was present at the spot with him, also came under serious scrutiny.