Was Naba Das’ Assassination A Political Murder? Know What BJP MLA Has To Say

Bhubaneswar: Amid the opposition’s clarion call for a CBI probe into Health Minister Naba Das’ murder, BJP MLA Subash Panigrahi on Monday created a flutter in the political circles by alleging involvement of a leader from the coastal area in the firing incident.

“Some mine owners are into politics and money collected from there is used in elections. Naba Das was an influential leader. The murder could be part of a bigger conspiracy for taking over his empire in western Odisha. He has been killed and political conspiracy cannot be ruled out,” he alleged.

A CBI probe can help to bring out the facts and expose the real culprits, he added.

Targetting Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for the second consecutive day, Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Sarat Pattanayak said, “Even a week after the killing, people of the state are still in dark over the reason behind the incident. Whether it was a case of political, business or personal enmity, the CM must speak up as he holds the home portfolio or else resign.”

Congress leader Santosh Singh Saluja, on the hand, said that while Naba Das’ family and people are still mourning his death, the ‘insensitive’ BJD is already in the field looking for his replacement. He reiterated Congress’ demand for an SIT probe under the supervision of the High Court. “There could be a political rivalry angle, coal business angle or it could be the handiwork of his enemy within BJD. The CB inquiry will yield no results,” he added.