An influential leader from coastal Odisha behind Naba Das’ murder: BJP MLA

Bhubaneswar: Amid the mystery surrounding the murder of Odisha Health Minister Naba Das on January 29, BJP MLA Subhas Chandra Panigrahi today alleged a conspiracy behind the incident.

“Naba Das had a big business empire in Western Odisha. He was also an influential leader of the region. It seems that someone hatched a conspiracy to eliminate Naba Das and grab his business empire. The murder has political as well as business angles,” said the BJP legislator.

The Deogarh MLA also alleged the involvement of an influential leader from the costal Odisha behind the murder of Naba Das.

“I think an influential leader from the Health Minister’s own party is behind the murder. Accused Gopal Das is just a puppet in the hands of the conspirator. A CBI probe into the incident can unearth the truth,” said the BJP MLA.

The BJP legislator further alleged that the ruling BJD has no sympathy for the family of the slain leader. The BJD is more concerned about winning the MLA seat, which was fallen vacant due to the murder of Naba Das.

Congress MLA Santosh Singh Saluja too alleged political as well as business angles behind the murder of Naba Das. “The incident might have some link with coal mining. We are demanding an SIT probe into the incident,” he said.

BJD MLA Byomkesh Ray, however, rejected the allegations. “The Crime Branch is now probing the incident. The Opposition should not make any baseless allegations in connection with the incident,” he said.

Notably, police ASI Gopal Das had opened fire on Naba Das during an event at Brajarajnagar in Jharsuguda district of Odisha on January 29. Das succumbed to his injuries while being treated at a private hospital here on the same day.

The state government has ordered a Crime Branch probe into the incident while the accused police ASI has been dismissed from service.