Berhampur: Ahead of Odisha Health Minister Naba Das’ murder, dismissed policeman Gopal Das, lone accused in the case, was stated to have asked his elder brother Satyanarayan to close the eatery they ran at Brajarajnagar for 3-4 days, and sent him back home.
The eatery, which was opened on January 4, remained closed from January 29, the day the Minister was killed, on the advice of Gopal, said said his elder brother Satyanarayan Das. The eating joint opened regularly till January 28.
He said five employees of the food outlet located at Brajarajnagar in Jharsuguda district were also asked to go on leave after Gopal informed that there is going to be a big feast and the eatery would remain shut for 3-4 days.
“Moreover, I was a little unwell and Gopal also asked me to return to Berhampur for a medical check-up and consult a doctor,” said Satyanarayan, who was earlier picked up by Crime Branch officials from Jaleswarkhandi in Berhampur for interrogation in connection with the murder case.
Stating that he had retired from service in March 2022, Satyanarayan said they opened the eatery at a rented place on the advice of Gopal, who was posted as assistant sub-inspector (ASI) at Gandhi Chowk police outpost in Brajarajnagar town.
The Crime Branch is investigating whether the eatery was shut as part of Gopal’s crime plan. The murder site is reported to be within one km of the eatery.
The eatery served cooked meals, lunch and dinner and also sold fast food, Satyanarayan said, adding that Gopal had not told him anything about any plan about the murder.
Stating that he answered all the questions put by the Crime Branch officials during interrogation, he said he gave them his bank passbooks and all necessary information.
