Crime Branch To Seek FBI’s Help In Naba Das’ Murder Case: Odisha CM; Read His Statement In Asembly

Bhubaneswar: The Crime Branch (CB) is seeking the help of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) of the USA as they have the best expertise in behavioural analysis, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik told the Odisha Assembly, while making the ‘long overdue’ statement on Naba Kishore Das’ murder case, on Wednesday.

.”We have requested the Ministry of Home Affairs to facilitate an evaluation of the behaviour of the accused by the Behavioral Support Unit of FBI. I want to reassure the House that no stone will be left unturned in ensuring a full, fair and open investigation in the case with the assistance of the best forensic experts in India and abroad,” he said even as the Assembly witnessed ruckus for the second consecutive day with the opposition demanding a discussion on “deep-rooted conspiracy and inhuman” killing of the minister.

The State Forensic Science laboratory, the Central Forensic Science Laboratory at New Delhi and the Gujrat State Forensic Science Laboratory at Gandhi Nagar are assisting the Odisha Crime Branch, he added.

The CM further said that he as well as the people of Odisha are shocked by the manner in which this very sensitive case is being politicised. “The whole police investigation will be subjected to judicial scrutiny with a retired High Court Judge monitoring the investigation of the case. So, what is the need to do politics in the case and make baseless and malicious allegations? ” he asked.

“I am deeply shocked that the accused of this heinous crime is a policeman. The accused officer has been immediately dismissed from service and all efforts will be made to bring him to justice. Unfortunately, the state BJP has tried to defame the entire police force of Odisha. The entire police force has been unreasonably termed as criminals based on the act of a single policeman. This is an insult to the 90,000 Police and Home Guard personnel who are young Odia boys and girls and to their family members,” he said.

He also mentioned about the assault on a woman cop by “a person holding high constitutional post” and termed it as deplorable and disgraceful. “Odisha has always respected its women and will never forgive this shameful behaviour. There are various issues we can disagree on, debate, argue and dispute. But never should we do politics on sensitive issues. Odisha has trusted me with responsibility, time and again, and I continue to uphold their faith without fear or favour,” he added.

Notably, opposition BJP and Congress have long been questioning Naveen’s silence on the issue since he holds the home portfolio. This statement has come almost 25 days after the health minister was shot at by an ASI and succumbed to bullet injury at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar hours later.