Naba Das Murder In Odisha: Someone Who Aspired To Succeed Naveen Patnaik As CM Was Mastermind, Claims BJP MP

Bhubaneswar: Amid a row over a CBI probe into Naba Kishore Das murder, BJP MP Pradeep Purohit on Sunday alleged that someone who aspired to become Odisha Chief Minister was the mastermind in the daylight killing in January 2023.

The BJP MP also sought to know as to why the family members of the slain BJD leader remained silent and never demanded an impartial probe into the murder case.

Purohit said he had earlier alleged involvement of some conspiratorial group in the murder of Naba Das in 2023 when he was serving as Health Minister in the state.

Claiming that the arrested policeman Gopal Das was just a pawn, he alleged that there is a conspirator group behind the assassination. “I had earlier stated that the person, who harboured the dream to become the Chief Minister after Naveen Patnaik, is the conspirator. My earlier allegaton is now proving to be true,” Purohit alleged.

While questioning the silence of family members Naba Das on the issue, the BJP MP alleged that their move was driven by a desire to protect their political ambitions and properties.

“The family’s silence during a critical period raises serious questions. It’s unfortunate that their pursuit of power took precedence over seeking justice,” he said.

Meanwhile, Naba Das’ daughter and former Jharsuguda MLA Dipali Das on Sunday stated that the family will write to the state government seeking a CBI probe into her father’s murder.

She further assured full cooperation in the investigation process, saying, “We will do whatever is required to aid the investigation and will support it in every way.”

Notably, Naba Das was allegedly gunned down by a policeman Gopal Das at Brajrajnagar in Jharsuguda district on January 29, 2023. Accused Gopal Das was arrested the next day while the state government had directed the Crime Branch to probe the case.

In a fresh twist, the State Forensic Science Laboratory in a report revealed that multiple firearms were used to during the attack on Nab Das while he was alighting from his vehicle in Brajrajnagar, hinting towards the possible involvement of others in the crime. The report further said that Naba Das’ vehicle was hit with five rounds of bullets on the fateful day. While three bullets were fired from Gopal Das’ gun, one bullet shell is still missing.