Bhubaneswar: The killing of Odisha Health and Family Welfare minister Naba Kisore Das, who was shot dead by an assistant sub inspector of police in the western Odisha town of Brajarajnagar on January 29, has sent shockwaves through the state. This is the first case of a minister being murdered in this manner.
What is most shocking is that the accused, Gopal Das was an assistant inspector of police posted at the Gandhi Chowk police outpost in the industrial town of Brajarajnagar. Das, who had earlier served as the personal security officer of the minister fired two shots at him from his newly issued service revolver. The police officer shot the minister even as he stepped out of his car to inaugurate an office at Gandhi Chowk in Brajrajnagar. While he collapsed and was immediately rushed to the local hospital from where he was airlifted to Bhubaneswar, the accused was overpowered by other policemen present on the occasion.
According to the police, the officer opened fire at Gandhi Chowk, Brajrajnagar, when the minister had gone to attend an official programme. Gupteswar Bhoi, sub-divisional police officer (Brajrajnagar), said that ASI Gopal Das, who was posted at the Gandhi Chowk police outpost, opened fire at the minister taking everyone by surprise. “ The motive behind the attack remains unclear. We are investigating the matter,” said Bhoi. Das was today subjected to intensive questioning by Crime Branch Additional Director General (ADG) of police Arun Bothra at Jharsuguda. However, the ASI, whose family lives in Berhampur and who was being treated for bipolar disorder for the last several years, has not revealed much about his intentions.
Two other persons including a police officer were also injured while trying to chase and overpower the ASI who tried to flee after the incident. He had been put in charge of traffic control in the Gandhi Chowk area on the day of the minister’s visit but he left his post and went near the minister’s car to shoot him which has deepened the mystery of death. While political leaders cutting across party lines have expressed grief at the minister’s death, many have raised issues of security lapses. Senior Congress leader Narasingha Mishra went to the extent of saying that it looks like a planned murder.
The incident has also tarnished the image of Odisha as a peaceful state with many describing the shooting as the state’s Bihar moment. “ He was a popular leader who was elected to the state assembly from Jharsuguda thrice. He was also a successful businessman. A leader like him being killed in this manner is no doubt disturbing,” said Jharsuguda resident Shashi Mishra.
