Odisha Minister Naba Das Murder Triggered By BJD Infighting, Alleges BJP Leader

Bhubaneswar: Stepping up its attack on Naveen Patnaik government in Odisha over the mysterious murder of Health Minister Naba Das,  BJP on Wednesday alleged that the killing was an outcome of infighting in the ruling BJD.

Addressing a press meet in Bhubaneswar, BJP state general secretary Prithviraj Harichandan claimed that the state government is trying to give a clean chit to itself in the sensational murder case.

Claiming that infighting in the BJD has reached a new height, the senior BJP leader alleged that the killing of the Minister was suspected to have been caused due to intense power struggle within the ruling party.

Alleging that there was a deep rooted conspiracy behind the killing of Naba Das, he said the way the case was handed over to the Crime Branch immediately after the murder showed that the government wants to suppress the truth.

The way the family members of accused Gopal Das and the doctor claimed immediately after the firing that the accused suffered from psychological disorder creates suspicion, he said.

While the Crime Branch is known for suppressing the truth, a retired judge is going to monitor the probe, Harichandan said, adding that the government does not want that the case should reach its logical conclusion.

Noting that the motive behind the murder is yet to be ascertained, he said BJP has been demanding a CBI inquiry into the killing to ensure impartial investigation.

Reacting sharply to the BJP leader’s allegation, BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty sought to know as to why the saffron party leaders are afraid of probe by the Crime Branch.

Accusing BJP leaders of making baseless and false allegations, Mohanty said the probe into Naba Das’ murder being conducted by the  Crime Branch will be monitored by a retired judge of the High Court and no one should have doubts over its sincerity.