Jharsuguda: Police ASI Gopal Krushna Das, who opened fire at Health Minister Naba Kisore Das at Brajarajnagar today, has been reportedly suffering from psychiatric issues for the last few years.
The ASI’s wife Jayanti Das claimed that she came to know about the incident from TV channels. “My husband was posted in Gandhi Chowk for last one and a half years. I have no idea why he committed this act,” she said.
Das had spoken to his daughter today morning over a video call and his son last night. “My husband seemed absolutely normal during the call. However, he has been suffering from mental illness, and was under medication,” the woman said.
“He was taking medicines and behaving like a normal person. He never harmed anybody,” she added. The cop’s family members said they were shocked and surprised by the act of Das.
According to a doctor who was treating Das, the ASI was suffering from bipolar affective disorder or maniac depression eight to 10 years back. However, after a long treatment, Das had recovered. The doctor said that such a disease can relapse if the patient discontinues medication, which could have been possible in case of the Gandhi Chowk ASI.
On the other hand, IG Police, Northern Range, Deepak Kumar said that Das was detained by Jharsuguda police and the case is being probed by the Crime Branch.
The local IIC and constables overpowered Das and seized the weapon of offence. Apart from the Minister, another civilian also sustained an injury, Kumar said.
“The matter is under investigation and the motive behind the crime is yet to be ascertained,” said Kumar.
