Bhubaneswar: Nearly two years since Naba Das’s assassination, the BJP and BJD on Sunday were involved in a verbal spat over the murder investigation with a ruling party member alleging a person who wanted to succeed Naveen Patnaik as CM played a key role in Naba’s murder, a charge denied by the opposition.
Without naming the person, Bargarh BJP MP Pradeep Purohit claimed, “He (who dreamt of becoming chief minister) is the main conspirator. The state crime branch investigation shielded the conspirator. Gopal Das is just a pawn.”
Senior BJP MLA Jayanarayan Mishra also saw BJD role in Naba’s murder along with the involvement of an IAS and IPS officer. “An IAS and IPS officer, along with two BJD politicians, plotted Naba’s murder. The IPS officer visited Jharsuguda a few days before Naba’s murder. Coal business and political dealings led to the murder. A CBI investigation can unravel the mystery,” Mishra said.
On Jan 29, 2023, Naba, who was then the health minister in the BJD govt, was gunned down by assistant sub-inspector (ASI) Gopal Das in Jharsuguda district.
Purohit also questioned the delayed demand for a CBI probe by Naba’s family, suggesting they remained quiet to safeguard their political and business interests.
BJD rubbished allegations, defending the crime branch investigation. “The investigation into the cabinet minister’s killing was on the right track. Main and lone accused Gopal Das was arrested the same day. Chargesheet has already been filed and trial commenced. If the BJP govt wants, they are most welcome to transfer the case to the CBI,” senior BJD leader Bhupinder Singh said.
Naba’s daughter Dipali, who had recently sought a CBI probe, on Sunday said she would soon write a petition to the govt. “We will soon meet the chief minister and submit a formal written application, seeking CBI investigation,” said Dipali, a BJD leader and former MLA.
The crime branch’s chargesheet dismissed political and business-related motives behind Naba’s murder, concluding that there was no conspiracy and Gopal acted alone. The chargesheet indicated that Gopal’s actions stemmed from personal resentment and his unfounded belief that Naba and his supporters posed a threat to his life. The document detailed how various incidents led Gopal to perceive potential harm from Naba and his supporters.