BHUBANESWAR: Nearly two years after the assassination of former Odisha health minister Naba Das, a heated exchange unfolded on Sunday between the BJP and BJD regarding the murder investigation. A member of the ruling party — BJP — accused an unnamed individual, deemed a potential successor to Naveen Patnaik as Odisha’s Chief Minister, of playing a significant role in Naba’s murder. This allegation has been rejected by the opposition.
Bargarh BJP MP Pradeep Purohit stated, “He is the primary conspirator. The state crime branch’s investigation has protected the conspirator. Gopal Das (an Odisha police official currently implicated in the case) is merely a pawn."
Senior BJP MLA Jayanarayan Mishra also implicated the BJD, alleging involvement of both an IAS and an IPS officer in Naba’s killing. “An IAS and an IPS officer, alongside two BJD politicians, orchestrated Naba’s assassination. The IPS officer was in Jharsuguda shortly before Naba’s murder. Connections relating to the coal industry and political dealings resulted in the murder. A CBI investigation could uncover the truth,” Mishra asserted.
On January 29, 2023, Naba, who was serving as health minister in the BJD government, was shot and killed by assistant sub-inspector Gopal Das in Jharsuguda district of Odisha.
Purohit further questioned the tardy call for a CBI probe from Naba’s family, insinuating that they had remained silent to protect their political and business interests.
In response, BJD dismissed the accusations, asserting confidence in the crime branch investigation. “The inquiry into the cabinet minister’s murder is progressing appropriately. The primary and sole accused, Gopal Das, was apprehended the same day. A chargesheet has already been submitted, and the trial has initiated. If the BJP government desires, they are free to request a transfer of the case to the CBI,” claimed senior BJD leader Bhupinder Singh.
