‘Coastal Odisha BJD leader behind Naba murder’

| | BHUBANESWAR
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‘Coastal Odisha BJD leader behind Naba murder’

Tuesday, 07 February 2023 | AK SAHOO | BHUBANESWAR

In a sensational allegation, the BJP on Monday said a senior ruling BJD leader of coastal Odisha has links with the January 29 murder of Minister Naba Kisore Das.

The BJP, however, refrained from disclosing the name of the BJD politician.

“People are talking about the role of an influential political leader of coastal Odisha in the murder. Naba Das ran a huge business empire. He was also a strong political leader in western Odisha. We suspect the role of a coastal Odisha leader behind his killing,” said senior BJP leader Subash Panigrahi, who is the Deogarh MLA. He said he suspected that the coastal Odisha politician got Naba eliminated by ASI of Police Gopal Das ostensibly with an intention to take control over the victim’s business empire.

“Political conspiracy in the Minister’s murder can’t also be ruled out. Why I am saying this is that there are some mines' owners who are in politics. And they are infusing huge volumes of mining money into politics,” Panigrahi said.

Congress MLA Santosh Singh Saluja, who has been very vocal against the BJD since the murder took place, on Monday appeared more offensive as he alleged that Naba Das’ enemy is in his own party.

“There is a conspiracy behind Naba’s murder. There may also be a political rivalry angle. There may be coal business angles. Or his enemy may be in his party. This is why we had demanded an SIT (Special Investigation Team) probe under the supervision of the High Court of Orissa. But the State Government announced a Crime Branch inquiry. It would yield no result,” observed Saluja.

Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president Sarat Patnaik targeted again Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in the case and said, "People are still in dark as to why Naba Das was killed. Whether it was political, business or personal enmity? The CM must speak up as he holds the Home portfolio or else resign."

Reacting to the allegations, BJD MLA Byomkesh Ray said, “The Crime Branch investigation is underway. People are waiting eagerly to know why Naba Das was murdered and the CB will put an end to it.”

In another development, a Layered Voice Analysis (LVA) and a Forensic Psychological Assessment of accused Gopal Das were conducted on Monday. Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) Director Asha Srivastava conducted the tests. With the tests, the CB is trying to find out the veracity of Gopal Das’ statement.

An expert team from National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) will examine the mental state of Gopal Das and submit a report to the CB.

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