ASI who killed Naba Das was a bipolar disorder patient: Doctor

By Mahendra Darjee

Bolangir, Jan. 29: Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) of Police Gopal Das who killed Odisha health minister Naba Kishore Das was a bipolar disorder patient, his family, his wife and son said. The ASI was mentally sick for over eight years and undergoing treatment for bipolar disorder.

Dr Chandrasekhar Tripathy of Berhampur who was treating the ASI Gopal Das said, “As I recollect, Gopal came to me for the first time seven to eight years ago for treatment. He was detected having bipolar disorder. After taking regular medicines, he was fully cured. Again, he came to me around eight months ago and we found his bipolar disorder had reoccurred. I had given him medicines. I’m not sure if he was regularly taking the medicines or discontinued.”

The doctor informed me that a person suffering from bipolar disorder often turns violent and commits a ghastly act.

Reports from Jharsuguda said tension prevailed at the spot with the BJD activists staging a dharna following the firing incident.

“It is suspected that the firing was ‘pre-planned’ as the minister was allegedly shot at from a close range. We want a fair probe,” a BJD activist said.

As per initial reports, four to five rounds of gunshots were heard on the spot. Sources said another person, who was standing near the minister, has also sustained injury along with a police official. However, more clarity on this is awaited.

Brajarajnagar SDPO Gupteswar Bhoi said the Assistant Sub-Inspector had been taken into custody and interrogation was on to ascertain the motive behind the crime.

Opposition Congress leaders Narasingha Mishra and Santosh Singh Saluja dubbed the attack on the minister as complete failure of law and order in the state and demanded resignation of CM Naveen Patnaik owing moral responsibility for the incident.