Odisha Health Minister Naba Kishore Das, who was shot dead by an on-duty policeman in Jharsuguda district on Sunday, has succumbed to his injuries. The incident took place near Gandhi Chowk in Brajrajnagar of Jharsuguda when Das was on his way to attend a function. Brajrajnagar sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) Gupteshwar Bhoi said that ASI Gopal Das, who was in his uniform, suddenly came near the minister’s vehicle and opened fire on him with his service revolver.
The ASI has been taken into custody but the reason behind the brutal attack on the senior BJD leader is not known.
Odisha Health Minister Naba Kishore Das dies. He was shot at by a police ASI at Brajarajnagar in Jharsuguda district.
He was airlifted to Bhubaneswar for treatment at Apollo Hospital. #Odisha #NabaKishoreDas #NabaKisoreDas pic.twitter.com/BRWWmoLsn8— Aman Dwivedi (@amandvivedi48) January 29, 2023
The minister fell unconscious on the spot. In such a critical condition, he was first admitted to the local hospital. Then, he was taken to Bhubaneswar and is now undergoing treatment at Apollo Hospital.
A health department official said a team of the state’s best specialists from Apollo Hospital, SCB Medical College and Rajdhani Hospital is treating him.
Strongly condemning the murderous attack on the Health Minister, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik directed the Crime Branch to investigate the matter.
He visited Apollo Hospital, where Das is admitted.
“I am shocked by the unfortunate incident of attack on Minister Naba Das. I strongly condemn the attack on him. I pray for his speedy recovery,” Patnaik said in a statement.
He said that senior officers of the crime branch have been asked to reach the spot.
Sources said soon after receiving the order, ADG Crime Branch Arun Bothra along with his team left for Brajrajnagar to investigate the incident.
Meanwhile, the forensic team visited the spot and started investigation.