Odisha Police Launches Reinvestigation Into Death Of Naba Das’ Cook

Jharsuguda: A fresh investigation has been launched into the death of Lalit Sahu, a cook employed at the residence of former Health Minister Naba Kishore Das in Jharsuguda.

The fresh investigation was launched following a direction from Director General of Police (DGP) Y B Khurania.

Inspector General of Police (Northern Range) Himanshu Lal told reporters that a special team has been formed to conduct the re-investigation.

Lal and Jharsuguda SP Parmar Smit P Parmar said the re-investigation commenced with a new investigating officer and supervising officer.

“We are starting the re-investigation with a change in the investigating officer and supervising officer,” Lal said.

“The family lodged a written complaint, and based on that, we have started the re-investigation. An Inspector rank officer has been appointed as the Investigating Officer while an Additional SP will supervise the probe. Earlier, one SI was the IO while DSP was the supervising authority,” Jharsuguda SP said.

Lalit’s father, Belalsen Sahu, had earlier demanded an impartial investigation and justice, stating in writing that the truth would come out with a proper investigation. Lalit, a resident of Denaborei village of Hindol in Dhenkanal district, was found hanging in the minister’s official residence on April 17, 2022.

A viral video showed Lalit’s father claiming that his son was under mental stress for 7-8 days before his death. Despite his father’s advice to return to their village, Lalit refused. After 34 months, Lalit’s father has renewed his demand for an impartial investigation into the mysterious death.