Odisha Minister Naba Das Murder: Justice (Retd) JP Das To Visit Crime Spot

Cuttack: Retired Orissa High Court Judge, Justice JP Das, who is monitoring the Crime Branch probe into the killing of Odisha Health Minister Naba Das, on Saturday said he will visit the crime spot at Brajarajnagar in Jharsuguda district.

The investigation in the sensational murder case is on the right track, Jutice Das reportedly said after Crime Branch ADG Arun Bothra met him at his house in Cuttack and briefed him on the progress in the probe.

During the meeting, the retired High Court Judge inquired about different aspects of the investigation and also made certain suggestions to the senior police officer, sources said.

Stating that he will visit the crime spot near Gandhi Chowk at Brajarajnagar, Justice Das said the date of his proposed visit to the western Odisha town is yet to be finalised.

Expressing the hope that the case will reach a logical conclusion, the ex-HC Judge said investigation is progressing on the right track and direction.

Bothra, who had been camping in Jharsuguda since the Crime Branch took over probe in the case, did not speak to the media while coming out after his meeting with justice Das.

It may be noted here that Justice Das is supervising and monitoring the Crime Branch probe in Naba Das murder case.

With conspiracy theories abounding and the opposition mounting a scathing attack, the state government had written to HC to appoint a sitting or retired judge to monitor the investigation.

The Crime Branch has taken the lone accused and former assistant sub-inspector (ASI) Gopal Das on 4-day remand for questioning. Gopal Das, who has been dismissed following his arrest, allegedly shot the Minister while the BJD leader was proceeding to attend an event at Brajarajnagar on January 29.

The minister was airlifted to Bhubaneswar for treatment at a private hospital where he was declared dead the same evening.