The Odisha government on Thursday suspended senior IPS officer Dayal Gangwar, who has been at the center of a controversy following last month's Balianta lynching case involving railway constable Soumya Ranjan Swain.
CMO Announces Suspension
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has suspended Dayal Gangwar, a brief statement from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) read, without elaborating on the grounds for action.
Administrative Inquiry Underway
Government sources indicated that Gangwar's role is not directly linked to the lynching, but he faces an administrative inquiry after Swain's family accused him of harassment and exploitation. The family claims Swain was compelled to serve as Gangwar's domestic help during his tenure as Additional Director General (Railway) in 2023–24.
Suspension Order Details
According to the suspension order, seen by Times of India, the Director General of Police (DGP) submitted a confidential report regarding the retention of eight government railway police personnel by Dayal Gangwar for work in his residence. This occurred even after his transfer from the post of ADGP Railway & Coastal Security, without approval from the competent authority. A disciplinary proceeding against Gangwar is contemplated on the grounds of grave misconduct as a member of the Indian Police Service.
NHRC Probe and Previous Actions
Gangwar's suspension comes days after the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) questioned him during its probe earlier this month into Swain's murder and misuse of his post. Gangwar had earlier been shunted from the post of ADG (Communication) and assigned as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Home Department on May 25 — a posting widely seen as punitive and insignificant.
GRP Report Allegations
The Government Railway Police (GRP) recently submitted a report to the Human Rights Protection Cell (HRPC) of Odisha police, alleging that Swain was illegally engaged for Gangwar's domestic work.
Background of the Lynching Incident
Swain, 32, was lynched by a mob on May 7 after allegations surfaced that he attempted to rape a 22-year-old woman on the roadside. The incident unfolded in front of police personnel, prompting the suspension of four officers and the transfer of the Balianta inspector in-charge. So far, 18 people have been arrested.
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