[Watch] Why Is Odisha CM Naveen Silent On Naba Das Killing? Asks BJP & Demands CBI Probe

Bhubaneswar: Hitting out at Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for keeping silent on the mysterious killing of Minister Naba Das even two days after the crime, BJP on Tuesday demanded a CBI probe into the incident, saying it has no faith on state Crime Branch.

Addressing a press meet in Bhubaneswar, Odisha BJP president Samir Mohanty said it is unfortunate that Naveen, who has been in charge of Home department for the last 23 years, has not uttered a word on the sensitive issue.

The BJP leader also lashed out at the DGP and Principal Secretary of Home department for keeping silent and not visiting the incident site in Jharsuguda.

Stating that people have no faith in the Crime Branch of Odisha police as its credibility in conducting fair and impartial probe is always questioned, Mohanty demanded that the case be handed over to CBI immediately.

In order to ensure fair probe and prevent any step to destroy evidence, Naba Das murder case must be handed over to CBI without delay, he said.

Mohanty alleged that efforts are already being made to destroy evidence in the case as it was seen in earlier such cases.

Stating that the killing of a cabinet Minister by a policeman in broad daylight was rare not only in Odisha but in the country, the state BJP chief said an independent agency must probe the case as a police officer is the main accused. “How can another police officer investigate the case in a fair and impartial manner,” he said.

Stating that the conviction rate of the cases under Crime Branch investigation stands at mere 5.7 per cent, Mohanty said he suspects that the CB investigation in this case also will not yield any result.

Despite being in charge of the Home department for so long, Naveen has failed in providing protection to people, he alleged and asked the Chief Minister to give a statement on the killing of Naba Das and regarding hte investigation in the case.