Bhubaneswar/Cuttack: The Odisha government’s status report on investigation into BJD leader Naba Das’ murder submitted to the Orissa High Court has made no reference to a CBI inquiry in the case.
Here is what Additional government advocate B Dash mentioned in the affidavit filed in the court on February 18:
“The trial of this case has already been started in the Court of Additional Sessions/Special Judge, Jharsuguda since 05.10.2023 and at present 29 witnesses have examined, cross examined and discharged out of 179 witnesses. The next day of trial has been fixed to 13.03.2025.”
It identified Gopal Das as the main accused in the case against whom charges have been framed.
It further stated: “Information sought for by petitioner has thus been made available. No further direction or order need be made.”
Following which, the division bench of acting Chief Justice Arindam Sinha and Justice M S Sahoo disposed of the petition.
The court had ordered the state government to submit a written report while hearing the public interest litigation filed by social worker Pinakpani Mohanty, calling for a CBI inquiry to uncover the truth behind the minister’s murder.
This has come amid summons to Das’ children, daughter Dipali Das and son Bishal Das, to appear before Crime Branch of Odisha Police in the first week of March to present any statements or objections they may have regarding the ongoing investigation into their father’s death.
Earlier, Law minister Prithiviraj Harichandan had advised Dipali to make a request in writing to the state government for a CBI probe into the murder of her father after a belated demand from her for the same while expressing hurt for being questioned by the BJP on the silence of her family in the killing of Naba Das. On his second death anniversary, Dipali, the former Jharsuguda MLA, had said that her family will soon make a request in this regards.
Also Read: Naba Das Murder In Odisha: BJD Putting Pressure On Family To Prevent CBI Probe; Claims BJP MP
While the Crime Branch is yet to complete the investigation and file a final chargesheet, lack of clarity on motives or circumstances surrounding the murder of the former health minister in broad daylight has intensified discussions about the possibility of a CBI investigation. Forensic reports also revealed the use of multiple firearms during the attack, indicating the involvement of additional shooters beyond the main accused.
The BJD leader was shot on January 29, 2023, allegedly by an on-duty police officer Gopal Das near Gandhi Chhak at Brajarajnagar in Jharsuguda district. He died while undergoing treatment. The chargesheet had mentioned that the police officer had a grudge against Das. A firearm along with a magazine containing 18 bullets and three unfired rounds were recovered during investigation.
In another related development, police have reopened investigation into the mysterious death of Das’ cook, which is suspected to have links to his murder.