Bhubaneswar: A detailed inquiry report submitted by the Government Railway Police (GRP) to the Human Rights Protection Cell (HRPC) of Odisha Police has alleged that deceased constable Soumya Ranjan Swain was illegally engaged in domestic and personal work by senior IPS officer Dayal Gangwar (1998 batch) during the latter’s tenure as Additional Director General (Railway).
The report was prepared following directions from the Crime Branch, which is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding Swain’s death in a mob lynching incident in May.
According to police sources, the inquiry findings were submitted to both the HRPC and the Crime Branch on May 30.
GRP Inquiry Points to Verbal Deployment
Officials familiar with the inquiry stated that statements from police personnel and other evidence indicated that Soumya Swain had allegedly been assigned personal duties for the IPS officer without any formal written orders.
A senior police officer associated with the inquiry said the deployment was allegedly carried out solely on verbal instructions.
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The report reportedly concluded that there was prima facie evidence suggesting the constable was engaged in personal work outside the scope of official police duties.
Crime Branch Investigating Mob Lynching Case
While the inquiry into Gangwar concerns allegations of misuse of subordinate staff, the Crime Branch is separately investigating the death of Soumya Swain.
The constable was reportedly lynched on May 7 in Balianta following allegations of an attempted rape.
Officials have clarified that Gangwar is not directly linked to the mob lynching incident itself.
However, allegations raised by Swain’s family regarding exploitation and harassment prompted a parallel administrative inquiry into the officer’s conduct.
Family Alleges Harassment and Mental Stress
Members of Swain’s family have alleged that the constable was subjected to exploitation and harassment while serving under the senior IPS officer.
According to the family, the pressure and treatment he allegedly faced caused severe mental distress.
These allegations have become a significant aspect of the broader investigation into the circumstances leading up to the constable’s death.
NHRC Conducts Field Inquiry
The matter has also drawn the attention of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
A team from the Commission conducted a field inquiry in Bhubaneswar between June 1 and June 5 to examine both the circumstances surrounding Swain’s death and allegations regarding the alleged misuse of police personnel.
During the inquiry, officials recorded the statement of Dayal Gangwar.
The IPS officer has not publicly commented on the allegations so far.
Dayal Gangwar Shifted from ADG Post
Amid the controversy, the Odisha government on May 25 transferred Dayal Gangwar from the post of Additional Director General (Communication).
He was subsequently appointed Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Home Department.
The move has been widely viewed within administrative circles as a punitive posting and a reduction in operational responsibilities for the senior officer.
DGP Issues Fresh Directive on Personnel Deployment
In the wake of the controversy, Odisha Director General of Police Y B Khurania issued a general order emphasizing that police personnel should not be deployed to any organization or assignment solely on verbal instructions.
The directive is being seen as an effort to strengthen accountability and ensure proper documentation of personnel assignments within the police department.
Personal Diary Submitted to Crime Branch
In a significant development, Swain’s close friend Nishikant Mohanty handed over a personal diary allegedly maintained by the deceased constable to Crime Branch investigators.
According to Mohanty, the diary contains entries reflecting Swain’s mental anguish and references to issues involving Dayal Gangwar.
He has urged investigators to conduct a thorough and impartial examination of the contents as part of the ongoing probe.
Multiple Investigations Underway
The case is now being examined on several fronts:
Crime Branch Investigation
- Circumstances surrounding the mob lynching of Soumya Swain.
- Events leading up to the May 7 incident.
Administrative Inquiry
- Allegations that Swain was engaged in personal or domestic duties.
- Examination of command and supervisory practices.
Human Rights Review
- NHRC inquiry into both the death and allegations of misuse of subordinate staff.
Documentary Evidence Review
- Analysis of the personal diary submitted by the deceased constable’s friend.
- Officials indicated that further action, if any, will depend on the findings of these ongoing investigations.
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