6 days after Naba Das’ murder, Odisha DGP breakes silence; says investigation will take time to complete

By Swagatika Bhutia

Bhubaneswar, Feb. 3: Breaking his silence six days after the assassination of Odisha health minister and senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Naba Kishore Das, state Director General of Police (DGP) Sunil Bansal on Friday said it would take some time to unravel the mystery shrouding the high-profile murder.

Briefing the media, the DGP said, “This is a high-profile murder case and a police officer has confessed to have assassinated the minister. It is tough to unravel the mystery in two or four days in such cases. Even though some facts have emerged, it will take some time to arrive at the motive behind the crime.”

According to Bansal, following the murder of the health minister, the Odisha government handed over the investigation to the Crime Investigation Department of (CID) of the Crime Branch. Additional Director ADG CB, Arun Bothra, who was in CBI and one the best officers, is camping at the spot and personally investigating the case. The entire investigation is being monitored by a retired Orissa High Court judge.

The DGP further said that Odisha Police has contacted the Central Forensic Science Laboratory to assist in the ongoing probe.

“We have contacted Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) and I have personally discussed the matter with Union home ministry officials and they assured us to extend all possible help. A CSFL team will also be visiting Odisha,” said Bansal.

On recovery of some material objects like paper from the sewage tank, the DGP said that it will be premature to say anything on the matter till a complete forensic examination of the papers is done.

“The principle of any good investigation is to keep all options open. We are not closing our minds. Whatever clue or evidence comes, we will take it to the logical conclusion,” he said.

The DGP said the principal accused, Gopal Krushna Das, was an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) when he fired at health minister Naba Das. He added that in order to ensure transparency and rule out any kind of interference in the probe, all other senior officials in the district have been transferred as a ‘precaution.’

The DGP informed that a detailed investigation is being conducted to review all aspects as the role of the Personal Security Officer (PSO) is to ensure the protection of the protectee.

“The PSO was present on the spot when the incident occurred. “We will review and investigate what was his mistake and other lapses and the prescribed punishment,” the DGP said.