TNI Bureau: The Odisha Crime Branch on Thursday arrested the main accused in the sensational Balianta murder case that had triggered widespread outrage across the state.

According to a press release issued by the CID Crime Branch, the accused, identified as Chinu alias Ranjit Patra (24) of Gangeswargada under Cuttack Sadar police limits, was arrested on May 14 based on “substantial evidence” gathered during the investigation.

The case pertains to the brutal incident that occurred on May 7 in the Bhingarpur–Kaja area under Balianta Police Station. The Odisha Government had subsequently handed over the investigation to the CID Crime Branch.

Investigators confirmed that Ranjit Patra was directly involved in assaulting the deceased on the head with a bamboo stick after the victim had allegedly been immobilized with ropes tied around his hands and legs.

Earlier, another accused, Bunty alias Judhisthira Jena (22), had been arrested on May 11 and forwarded to court.

The Crime Branch stated that a total of 13 accused persons have so far been arrested in connection with the case. Of them, 11 were earlier apprehended by the local police, while the Crime Branch carried out further investigation into the larger conspiracy and sequence of events.

Officials said the probe is continuing on a priority basis to identify and arrest other persons involved in the incident.

The case has drawn significant public attention due to the brutal nature of the crime and growing concerns over law and order in the region.