Bhubaneswar: The Crime Branch (CB) of Odisha Police has initiated a fresh investigation into the killing of former Health Minister Naba Kishore Das, Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan announced in the Assembly on Tuesday.
Responding to a debate in the House, Harichandan revealed that a two-member CB team has already visited Das’s residence in Jharsuguda and recorded statements from his family members. He emphasized that the Crime Branch would thoroughly investigate all angles of the case, which he claimed had been mishandled during the previous BJD government.
“The investigation was misled earlier, and justice was not delivered to the family. The government has decided to reopen the case and assign it to the Crime Branch for a fresh probe. While the CBI could have been an option, we believe the Crime Branch is equally capable when given the freedom to work,” the Law Minister stated.
The decision to reopen the case follows persistent demands from Das’s family for a CBI probe. Das’s wife, Minati Das, recently sought an appointment with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to press for a CBI investigation. Earlier, Das’s son and daughter had also appealed to the media for a CBI inquiry into the matter.
Harichandan criticized the previous BJD government for failing to ensure justice for the family of a former cabinet minister. He assured that the Crime Branch would conduct a professional and comprehensive investigation to uncover all motives and angles behind the killing.
During the BJD regime, the Crime Branch had investigated the case and filed a charge sheet in the Jharsuguda trial court against Gopal Krishna Das, the prime accused. The agency had examined several witnesses as part of its probe. However, the investigation reportedly overlooked critical aspects, such as the possibility of involvement by other individuals or masterminds behind the crime.
A senior lawyer noted that many people remain skeptical about Gopal Krishna Das being the sole perpetrator, suggesting that the crime may have had broader connections.
The two-member CB team visited Das’s residence in Sarbahal, Jharsuguda, and recorded statements from his daughter, Dipali Das, and son, Bishal Das.
Naba Kisore Das, who served as Health Minister, was shot by a police officer on January 29, 2023, in Brajarajnagar, Jharsuguda district. He succumbed to his injuries later that day at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar.
