Jharsuguda: Following the arrest of the lone accused in Odisha Minister Naba Das’ assassination, assistant sub-inspector of police (ASI) Gopal Das, by the Crime Branch, Jhrasuguda SP Rahul Jain on Monday dismissed him from service.
He was posted at Gandhi Chhak Outpost under Brajarajnagar police station. “ASI Gopal Krishna Das of Gandhi Chowk Outpost under Brajarajnagar PS has been dismissed from service on 30.01.2023 by exercising power vested under Article 311 of the constitution of India.” the notification said.
Speaking to mediapersons earlier, Crime Branch ADG Arun Bothra said that the accused ASI was apprehended from the spot on Sunday and a detailed investigation is currently underway to ascertain why he pulled the trigger on Naba Das. “We will seek seven-day remand of his for further interrogation on the firing incident,” said Bothra.
The Crime Branch ADG refuted reports that Gopal was earlier posted as the personal security officer (PSO) of the Health Minister, who was shot in the chest and succumbed while undergoing treatment at a private hospital here on Sunday evening.
Earlier in the day, Bothra, Intelligence Director Sanjeeb Panda, Northern RDC Deepak Kumar and Jharsuguda SP Rahul Jain attended a top-level meeting at the SP office here.
The Crime Branch ADG and other senior officials also quizzed the ASI for several hours during the day.
Notably, a case has been registered against Gopal under Section 307 of the IPC and 27 (1) of the Arms Act on the basis of an FIR lodged by Brajarajnagar police station IIC Pradyumna Swain. “ASI GK Das of Gandhi Chowk Police Outpost, who was deployed for traffic clearance duty came close to Minister Naba Kishore Das and opened fire from his service pistol from a close range aiming at Minister with a clear intention to kill him.”
The accused ASI fired two rounds from his 9mm pistol. Another person, identified as Jibanlal Nayak (Rintu) of Kalinagar, also received a bullet injury, the FIR added.
Meanwhile, the mortal remains of Naba Das were consigned to flames here this afternoon with full state honours in the presence of thousands of supporters and well-wishers.
