Naba Das Murder: Slain Minister’s Supporters Don’t Trust Odisha Crime Branch Probe, Claims Dharmendra

Jharsuguda: In a fresh salvo on Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik over Naba Das’ murder, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday claimed that the slain leader’s supporters are unhappy with the ongoing probe by the Crime Branch and want investigation by an independent third party.

Dharmendra, who was in Jharsuguda, visited the residence of Naba Das at Sarbahal and paid tributes to the deceased Minister. The Education and Skill Development Minister conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family.

After meeting the family members of the late leader, Dharmendra lashed out at the Chief Minister, who is also in charge of the Home department, and claimed that the law and order machinery in the state has collapsed.

Claiming that the overall law and order situation in the state has worsened, he said an atmosphere of lawlessness prevails in Odisha and the CM must must focus on law and order and take concrete steps to improve the situation.

The murder of the cabinet Minister by a police official in full public glare and other incidents show how dismal is the law and order situation, said Dharmendra, adding that the CM heads the Home department and before the situation slips out of the hand, strong measures must be taken.

On the ongoing probe by the Crime Branch into Naba Das murder, the senior BJP leader claimed that even the supporters of the slain Minister are not satisfied with the investigation by CB and they want an independent inquiry by a third party.