Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Crime Branch has sought the help of the Federal Bureau of Investigation of the United States of America in the murder of state Health Minister Naba Das, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik told the state Assembly on Wednesday.
Making a statement in the house amidst ruckus by the Opposition BJP and the Congress members over the murder of Naba Das, the Chief Minister said the FBI help has been sought as it has best expertise in behavioral analysis in such cases.
The state government, he said, had also requested the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India to facilitate an evaluation of the behavior of the accused by the Behavioral Support Unit of the FBI of the United States of America.
Patnaik also slammed the Opposition members the manner in which this very sensitive case is being politicized which he said has shocked him as well as the people of Odisha.
“It is disturbing to see the baseless and malicious allegations that are being made,” the Chief Minister said.
Patnaik said the death of Naba Kishore Das, former Cabinet Minister and a member of this House is deeply shocking and distressing.
“As we assemble in this house, Das and his family members are in our thoughts and prayers. In his death, we have lost a dear colleague and a dynamic leader, who was committed to the development of Odisha, more particularly Western Odisha,” he said.
Narrating the incident , the Chief Minister said on January 29 last around 12:35 PM Naba Kishore Das, the then Health Minister was fired at by an Assistant Sub-Inspector of Police Gopal Das from his Service weapon and despite best efforts, Das could not be saved.
In view of the very sensitive nature of this incident, Patnaik said a Crime Branch investigation was ordered immediately.
To ensure transparency in the investigation, the government had requested the High Court to nominate one sitting/retired Judge of HC to monitor the investigation of this case. The High Court , he said, had nominated Justice J.P. Das (retired) to monitor the investigation of the case.
The Crime Branch has been asked to do a thorough and scientific investigation to establish the truth in the case and has taken services of the best forensic experts in the country in this case.
