Odisha Minister Murder: Accused ASI Has Confessed To Crime, Says CB ADG; Govt Seeks HC Monitoring

Bhubaneswar: Even as Additional Director General (ADG), Crime Branch of Odisha Police Arun Bothra on Monday said ASI Gopal Das, the accused in killing of Health Minister Naba Kishore Das, has confessed to the crime, the state government requested the Orissa High Court to monitor the investigation.

Speaking to media persons in Jharsuguda on the day, Bothra said the Crime Branch team headed by DSP Ramesh Chandra Dora has started the investigation. “The arrested accused, ASI Gopal Das, has confessed to have committed the crime. But we will continue the interrogation to ascertain the motive behind the murder of the minister,” he added.

The Crime Branch produced Gopal before JMFC Residential Court in Jharsuguda. Later, he was sent to Jharsuguda sub-jail.

“We will approach the court to seek his remand for investigation. We will continue to collect all necessary evidence. The Crime Branch along with forensic and other teams are engaged in establishing the case scientifically,” Bothra said.

Stating that the CB team will also record the statements of witnesses including those present at the crime spot, the ADG said the entire effort would be to ensure conviction of the accused in the court.

During its investigation in Brajrajnagar, the CB team examined the informant and other eyewitnesses. They visited the spot near Gandhi Chowk along with the forensic and ballistic experts and seized one empty bullet case and other physical clue material.

The team also seized one 9mm pistol and 3 rounds of live ammunition and a mobile handset of the accused ASI. The fire arms and ammunitions will be sent for ballistic examination and opinion.

Another team headed by DSP Sishir Mishra conducted investigation in Bhubaneswar including inquest followed by autopsy by a team of doctors of Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar. Videography of the entire process has also been done.

They also seized the treatment records and blood stained clothes of the slain minister besides biological exhibits. Viscera has been preserved for further chemical examination and opinion.

Meanwhile, the state government has written to Orissa High Court requesting it to appoint a sitting or retired judge of the high court or a district judge to monitor the Crime Branch investigation into the case to ensure fair and transparent probe, according to sources in Home department.