Naba Das Murder: Family Meets Odisha CM, Seeks CBI Probe
Bhubaneswar: The family of slain former Odisha minister Naba Das met Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi at Lok Seva Bhawan today, urging him to recommend a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the high-profile murder case.
Naba Das’ wife Minati Das, daughter Dipali Das and son Bishal Das held discussions with the Chief Minister in the evening. “We have formally requested the Chief Minister for a CBI inquiry into my father’s murder. He assured us that our request would be considered,” Dipali Das told the media after the meeting.
Additionally, the family sought enhanced security, citing concerns for their safety.
The meeting was also attended by Director General of Police (DGP) YB Khurania and Director General of Crime Branch (CB) Vinaytosh Mishra. Following the discussions, the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) issued a statement affirming the government’s commitment to ensuring a thorough investigation and strict action against those involved in the murder. The CM advised the family to cooperate with the ongoing probe.
Naba Das, then Odisha’s Health Minister, was shot on January 29, 2023, in Brajrajnagar, Jharsuguda district, allegedly by Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Gopal Das. The minister succumbed to his injuries at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar the same day.
The accused ASI was arrested a day later and dismissed from service. The state government had ordered a Crime Branch probe, which, in its charge sheet, named Gopal Das as the sole accused, attributing the crime to personal animosity.
However, recent findings by the State Forensic Science Laboratory have cast doubt on this conclusion. The forensic report suggests that multiple firearms were used in the attack, with five bullets striking Naba Das’ vehicle. While three bullets were fired from Gopal Das’ gun, one bullet shell remains unaccounted for.
In light of these findings, the Crime Branch has intensified its investigation to uncover possible conspirators. Officials have recorded statements from Naba Das’ family members, including former BJD MLA Dipali Das and Bishal Das. Investigators have also examined CCTV footage at Veer Surendra Sai Airport in Jharsuguda, from where the minister was airlifted to Bhubaneswar post-attack.
Furthermore, two doctors who attended to Naba Das immediately after the shooting have been questioned by the Crime Branch.
