Naba Das Assassination: BJP Alleges Political Conspiracy; Congress Seeks CM’s Resignation

Bhubaneswar: While Odisha Crime Branch is yet to unravel the mystery behind the broad daylight murder of former Health Minister Naba Das, BJP MLA Subash Panigrahi came up with an explosive statement that a political leader from the coastal region was involved in this case.

“He had set up a huge business empire. He was also a strong leader in western Odisha. Someone might have killed him with the intention to take his place. So political conspiracy can’t be ruled out. Why I am saying this is that there are some mines owners in politics. And they are infusing mines money in politics,” said MLA Panigrahi.

Adding fuel to the fire against BJD, Congress leader Santosh Singh Saluja said, “There is a conspiracy behind his (Naba Das’s) murder. There may be a political rivalry angle. There may be a coal business angle. Or his enemy may be in his party. This is why we demanded an SIT probe under the supervision of the High Court. But the State government announced a Crime Branch inquiry. It would yield no result.”

Odisha PCC president Sarat Patnaik also alleged, “The people of the state are still in dark as to why Naba Das was killed. Whether it was political, business or personal enmity? The CM must speak up as he holds the home portfolio or else resign.”

Responding to these allegations, BJD MLA Byomkesh Ray said, “Crime Branch investigation is underway. The people of Odisha are waiting eagerly to know why Naba Das was murdered and the CB will put an end to it.”

Notably, Gopal Das, the police ASI of Gandhi Chowk Police Outpost in Brajarajnagar shot at Health & Family Welfare Minister Naba Das while he was alighting from his vehicle to attend a public meeting at Brajarajnagar on January 29 in Jharsuguda district. The BJD leader fell down and was airlifted to Bhubaneswar in critical condition. He was admitted to the Apollo Hospital where he was declared dead.

Following the incident, the state government ordered a Crime Branch probe into the murder case. The Crime Branch so far has formed three teams for the investigation. The Jharsuguda SP Rahul Jain and Brajarajnagar SDPO Gupteswar Bhoi have been transferred to State Police Headquarters.