India, May 28 -- The Odisha Crime Branch on Thursday arrested the prime accused in the Balianta mob assault case from a hotel in Bhubaneswar.

According to an official statement issued by the Crime Branch, Ashok Jena alias Geda (45) of Gangeswargada under Cuttack Sadar police limits was apprehended from a hotel in Patia here.

The Crime Branch said substantial evidence had been collected during the investigation, which led to the arrest of the accused.

With the latest arrest, the number of accused persons arrested in connection with the case has risen to 17. The agency said the investigation is continuing on a priority basis, and efforts are underway to identify and apprehend other persons involved in the incident.

The case relates to ...