Odisha Transfers IPS Officer Dayal Gangwar Amid Controversy Over GRP Constable’s Death
The Odisha government on Monday transferred senior IPS officer Dayal Gangwar amid mounting controversy surrounding the death of Government Railway Police (GRP) constable Soumya Ranjan Swain and allegations of harassment raised by the constable’s family.
Gangwar, who was serving as Additional Director General of Police (Communications), has now been posted as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Home Department following a fresh notification issued by the Odisha government.
The transfer comes at a time when public attention and political scrutiny have intensified over the circumstances surrounding the death of constable Soumya Ranjan Swain, who was allegedly lynched by a mob in the Balianta area on May 7. The incident triggered widespread outrage and raised serious questions regarding both the attack and the alleged mental stress faced by the constable prior to his death.
According to allegations made by Swain’s family, the constable had been under considerable mental pressure while working under senior officers. Family members claimed that he was allegedly assigned personal tasks that were not connected to his official duties during his service under Gangwar.
The deceased constable’s parents have publicly demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the matter, seeking an independent investigation into both the mob lynching incident and the allegations of harassment levelled against the senior IPS officer. The family has maintained that a fair inquiry is necessary to uncover the full circumstances leading to the constable’s death.
The controversy has generated significant public discussion in Odisha, with various groups demanding transparency, accountability, and a thorough investigation into the allegations raised by the family.
While the state government has not officially linked Gangwar’s transfer to the controversy, the timing of the order has drawn considerable attention as pressure continues to mount over the case.
In addition to Gangwar’s transfer, the Odisha Home Department also modified parts of a recent police reshuffle order issued earlier this month. On May 23, the state government had announced the transfer and posting of 14 IPS officers along with four officers from the Odisha Police Service (OPS).
However, Monday’s notification introduced changes in the postings of two IPS officers.
Parmar Smit Parshottamdas, who was earlier appointed as Superintendent of Police (SP) of Nayagarh, has now been posted as SP of Khurda. Meanwhile, Suvendu Kumar Patra, who had initially been assigned as Khurda SP, will now serve as the Superintendent of Police of Nayagarh.
Officials described the revised postings as part of routine administrative adjustments aimed at improving operational efficiency within the state police setup. However, the transfer involving Gangwar remains the most closely watched development due to the ongoing controversy surrounding the constable’s death.
The case has continued to attract widespread attention across Odisha, particularly after allegations surfaced regarding workplace pressure and treatment of subordinate personnel within the police system. Civil society groups and members of the public have also expressed concern over the incident, calling for greater accountability and safeguards for police personnel working under stressful conditions.
As demands for an independent investigation continue to grow, the state government is expected to remain under scrutiny regarding its handling of both the lynching case and the allegations raised by the constable’s family.
