Who Is IPS Officer Dayal Gangwar? Odisha Government Suspends Senior Cop Amid Soumya Ranjan Swain Death Controversy
Senior Odisha cadre IPS officer Dayal Gangwar has been suspended in connection with the death of GRP constable Soumya Ranjan Swain. Here is a detailed look at Gangwar’s career, key postings, awards, the allegations against him and the ongoing Crime Branch and NHRC investigations.
Senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Dayal Gangwar has found himself at the centre of one of Odisha’s most closely watched controversies after the state government ordered his suspension in connection with the death of Government Railway Police (GRP) constable Soumya Ranjan Swain.
The suspension, approved by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, marks a major turning point in a case that has generated widespread public attention, sparked political debate and prompted investigations by multiple agencies, including the Odisha Crime Branch and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
The controversy revolves around allegations that the senior police officer subjected the deceased constable to mental harassment and required him to perform personal and domestic duties unrelated to official police work. While the allegations are still under investigation, the government’s decision to suspend a senior IPS officer reflects the seriousness with which the matter is being treated.
As the probe gathers pace, attention has increasingly shifted towards understanding who Dayal Gangwar is, his long career in policing, the positions he has held and the circumstances that led to his suspension.
A Senior IPS Officer with Nearly Three Decades of Service
Dayal Gangwar belongs to the 1998 batch of the Indian Police Service and is an officer of the Odisha cadre.
Originally from Uttar Pradesh, Gangwar has spent almost three decades in policing and public service, holding a wide range of assignments in both Odisha and the Central Government.
Over the years, he built a reputation as an experienced police administrator and rose steadily through the ranks to become one of the senior-most officers in the Odisha Police hierarchy.
His career has included responsibilities in policing, security management, modernization initiatives, communications systems and administrative leadership.
Until recently, he was serving in senior leadership positions within Odisha Police and was regarded as an influential officer with extensive operational and administrative experience.
Educational Background and Early Life
Gangwar’s educational journey began in Odisha, where he completed his schooling at IMST English Medium Nursery and High School in Malkangiri.
He later secured admission to the prestigious St. Stephen’s College, University of Delhi, one of India’s most respected higher educational institutions.
At St. Stephen’s, he pursued a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree before preparing for the highly competitive Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination.
After successfully clearing the examination, he joined the Indian Police Service and was allotted the Odisha cadre as a direct recruit officer.
Like many IPS officers of his generation, Gangwar began his career at the district level, gaining practical exposure to law enforcement, public order management and policing administration before moving into more senior assignments.
Recognition and Awards
Throughout his career, Gangwar received recognition for his service within the police force.
He was awarded the Police Medal for Meritorious Service in both 2014 and 2015, honours that reflected his contributions to policing and public administration.
Such awards are typically granted to officers who demonstrate dedication, professional competence and distinguished service over an extended period.
The recognition helped strengthen his standing within the police establishment and contributed to his progression into senior leadership positions.
Career Across State and Central Assignments
Over a span of nearly 28 years, Gangwar served in a variety of important assignments that exposed him to different aspects of policing and security management.
His experience was not limited to state policing alone. He also spent time on central deputation, where he handled responsibilities linked to national security infrastructure.
Central Deputation in CISF
One of the most significant phases of his career came between 2020 and 2023 when he served as Inspector General in the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).
The CISF operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs and is responsible for protecting critical infrastructure, industrial establishments, airports and strategic assets across the country.
As Inspector General, Gangwar was involved in overseeing large-scale security operations and managing complex security arrangements.
The assignment provided him with valuable experience in national-level security administration and institutional management.
Return to Odisha Police
Following his tenure with the CISF, Gangwar returned to Odisha and was promoted to the rank of Additional Director General of Police (ADGP).
His return placed him among the state’s senior police leadership, and he subsequently held several important positions.
Among the major assignments handled by him were:
ADGP, Railways and Coastal Security
ADGP (Headquarters), Odisha Police
ADGP, Modernisation
ADGP, Communications
These positions carried significant responsibility and placed him at the centre of several important policing and security initiatives undertaken by the state government.
His role in railway and coastal security was particularly important given Odisha’s extensive coastline and expanding transportation network.
The Death of Constable Soumya Ranjan Swain
The controversy surrounding Gangwar emerged following the death of GRP constable Soumya Ranjan Swain.
According to reports, Swain died on May 7, 2026, following an incident in the Balianta area that reportedly stemmed from a traffic-related altercation and subsequently escalated into mob violence.
What initially appeared to be a tragic law-and-order incident soon developed into a larger controversy after allegations surfaced regarding the constable’s working conditions and his relationship with senior officers.
Questions began to emerge about whether Swain had been performing duties outside the scope of his official responsibilities.
Family Raises Allegations of Harassment
The controversy intensified after Swain’s parents publicly alleged that their son had been subjected to sustained mental pressure while serving under Gangwar.
According to the family, the constable was frequently assigned personal and domestic tasks that had little connection with his official duties as a Government Railway Police constable.
The allegations included claims that he was required to perform household chores, run personal errands and undertake assignments unrelated to policing responsibilities.
These accusations triggered widespread public debate and led to demands for an independent investigation.
The allegations also reignited broader concerns about the alleged misuse of subordinate personnel for personal work by senior officials.
Government Initiates Action
As public scrutiny increased, the Odisha government initiated inquiries into the matter.
Preliminary findings reportedly suggested that the constable may have been engaged in domestic and personal work without proper authorization or official orders.
Pending a fuller investigation, the government first removed Gangwar from his operational responsibilities and posted him as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Home Department.
The transfer was widely viewed as an interim administrative measure while inquiries continued.
DGP Report Leads to Suspension
The situation took a more serious turn after reports emerged regarding a confidential inquiry conducted at the highest levels of the police establishment.
According to media reports, findings submitted by the Director General of Police raised additional concerns.
The inquiry reportedly found that eight Government Railway Police personnel continued to remain attached to Gangwar’s residence even after he had been transferred from his position as ADGP, Railways and Coastal Security.
These findings are believed to have played a significant role in the government’s decision to suspend him on June 18, 2026.
Crime Branch and NHRC Investigations Continue
The suspension does not conclude the matter.
The Odisha Crime Branch is currently conducting a detailed investigation into the allegations and the circumstances surrounding Swain’s death.
At the same time, the National Human Rights Commission has also taken note of aspects of the case, underscoring its wider public significance.
Investigators are expected to examine deployment records, official communications, witness testimonies, service documents and other evidence to determine whether departmental norms or legal provisions were violated.
A Case Being Closely Watched
The death of Soumya Ranjan Swain has evolved into one of the most sensitive and closely monitored cases in Odisha this year.
For the government, the case represents a test of accountability and transparency within the police system. For law enforcement agencies, it raises important questions about workplace conduct, supervision and the treatment of subordinate personnel.
With Dayal Gangwar now under suspension and multiple investigations underway, the focus remains firmly on establishing the facts surrounding the case.
The findings of the Crime Branch, departmental authorities and the NHRC will ultimately determine whether further disciplinary, administrative or legal action is warranted.
Until then, the case continues to attract significant public attention, with many awaiting answers regarding the circumstances that led to the death of constable Soumya Ranjan Swain and the allegations that have brought a senior IPS officer’s long career under intense scrutiny.
