Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has suspended senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Dayal Gangwar in connection with the high-profile death case of Government Railway Police (GRP) constable Soumya Ranjan Swain. The action was ordered by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi amid mounting allegations that the officer subjected the constable to mental harassment and compelled him to perform personal duties unrelated to official work.
The suspension marks a major development in a case that has attracted widespread public attention across Odisha and prompted investigations by multiple agencies, including the Crime Branch.
Odisha Government Orders Suspension
The suspension order was issued on June 18, 2026, following a detailed review of the circumstances surrounding the death of GRP constable Soumya Ranjan Swain.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi approved the action after receiving reports and recommendations related to the case. Prior to his suspension, Gangwar had already been transferred from his operational role and posted as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Home Department.
The decision comes amid growing public pressure and demands for accountability from the family of the deceased constable.
Who Is Dayal Gangwar?
Dayal Gangwar is a senior IPS officer of the 1998 batch from the Odisha cadre. Originally from Uttar Pradesh, he is regarded as an experienced police administrator with nearly three decades of service in both state and central government assignments.
Over the course of his career, he has held several important positions in policing, security administration, and law enforcement management.
Educational Background and Early Career
Gangwar completed his schooling at IMST English Medium Nursery and High School in Malkangiri, Odisha. He later pursued higher education at the prestigious St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree.
After clearing the UPSC Civil Services Examination, he joined the Indian Police Service and was allotted the Odisha cadre as a direct recruit officer.
Distinguished Service and Awards
During his career, Gangwar received recognition for his service and contributions to policing.
He was awarded the Police Medal for Meritorious Service in both 2014 and 2015, reflecting his standing within the police establishment and his contributions to law enforcement.
Key Positions Held by Dayal Gangwar
Over his 28-year career, Gangwar served in several significant administrative and security-related assignments.
Central Deputation in CISF
Between 2020 and 2023, he served on central deputation as Inspector General (IG) in the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), functioning under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The role involved overseeing critical security operations and managing large-scale security infrastructure across the country.
Senior Positions in Odisha Police
Following his return to Odisha, Gangwar was promoted to the rank of Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) and occupied several senior positions, including:
- ADGP, Railways and Coastal Security
- Additional Director General of Police (Headquarters), Cuttack
- ADGP, Modernisation
- ADGP, Communications, Odisha
These assignments placed him among the senior-most officers in the state’s police hierarchy.
The Soumya Ranjan Swain Case
The controversy surrounding Gangwar emerged following the death of Government Railway Police constable Soumya Ranjan Swain.
According to reports, Swain died on May 7, 2026, in the Balianta area following an incident linked to a traffic-related dispute that escalated into mob violence.
The case quickly became a matter of public concern, with questions being raised regarding the circumstances leading up to the incident and the nature of the constable’s work assignments.
Family Alleges Mental Harassment
The deceased constable’s parents alleged that their son had been subjected to severe mental harassment while serving under Gangwar.
According to the family, Swain was frequently required to perform personal and domestic tasks for the senior officer, including household chores, running errands, and undertaking assignments unrelated to his official responsibilities as a police constable.
These allegations intensified demands for a thorough investigation and disciplinary action against those responsible.
Initial Administrative Action
As the controversy deepened, the Odisha government initiated preliminary inquiries into the allegations.
Early findings reportedly suggested that the constable had been engaged in domestic and personal work without formal authorisation or official orders.
In response, the state government transferred Gangwar from his operational posting and assigned him to the Home Department as Officer on Special Duty pending further investigation.
DGP Report and Suspension
The situation escalated further after a confidential report submitted by the Director General of Police (DGP) reportedly highlighted additional concerns.
According to reports, the inquiry found that Gangwar had retained eight Government Railway Police personnel at his private residence even after being transferred from his position as ADGP, Railways and Coastal Security.
The findings reportedly contributed to the government’s decision to place the officer under suspension while investigations continue.
Crime Branch and NHRC Investigations Underway
The Odisha Crime Branch is currently conducting a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding Soumya Ranjan Swain’s death and the allegations against Gangwar.
In addition, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is also examining aspects of the case, underscoring its seriousness and public significance.
Investigators are expected to review service records, deployment orders, witness statements, and other evidence to determine whether departmental rules or legal provisions were violated.
What Happens Next?
With Gangwar now under suspension, the focus remains on the ongoing investigations by the Crime Branch and other authorities.
The outcome of these inquiries will determine whether further disciplinary, administrative, or legal action is warranted.
The case has reignited discussions about the alleged misuse of subordinate personnel for personal work, workplace harassment within uniformed services, and the need for stronger accountability mechanisms within law enforcement institutions.
As investigations continue, the death of constable Soumya Ranjan Swain remains one of the most closely watched cases in Odisha, with both the government and law enforcement agencies under pressure to ensure a transparent and impartial probe.
Read also: Odisha IPS Officer Dayal Gangwar Transferred Amid Allegations Over Constable’s Death
