MHA moved for assistance of FBI in Naba Das killing: Odisha Minister

Chinmayee Dash Published On : Mar 27, 2023 at 1:49 PM

Bhubaneswar: The Ministry of Home Affairs has been moved seeking assistance of American agency Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Health Minister Naba Kishore Das’ murder case, informed Tusharkanti Behera, the Minister of State for Home.

Replying to a query asked by Congress MLA Narasingha Mishra in Budget session of Odisha Assembly, the Minister stated that as per the guideline on Mututal Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) in criminal cases such request can be made through the MHA. In accordance with the above provision, Odisha Government has sought assistance of FBI. However, the MHA is yet to make a reply in this regard.

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In the House, the Balangir legislator sought details from the state government that had declared to make a request to MHA for support of FBI in investigation in killing of ex-health minister Naba Das.

“Is there any information with the state government about FBI has either investigated or provided supports, guidance to any state police in the country during police investigation into a criminal offence/case in the concerned stated, if so, will the govt furnish details of cases being investigated by police of different state with support from FBI, if not, how the CM declared in the House to request MHA for support of FBI in investigation of killing of ex-minister of health, will the govt furnish the letter submitted to MHA in this regard,” Mishra asked.

Answering to the question, the Minister stated that information about any other state seeking help of FBI of USA during police investigation into a criminal offence is not available.

“As per information received from CID, CB, Odisha, Cuttack, the Ministry of Home Affairs has shared with all the states a comprehensive guideline for investigation abroad and issue of letters Rogatory (LRs), Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA). The Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) is a mechanism whereby countries operate with one another in order to provide and obtain formal assistance in prevention, investigation and prosecution of crime. India has MLA treaties/bilateral agreements with many countries including US,” he informed.