Breaking his silence six days after the murder of Health Minister Naba Kisore Das, Director General of Police (DGP) Sunil Bansal on Friday said, “It will take some time to unravel the mystery shrouding the incident.”
The DGP told the media, “This is a high-profile murder case and a police officer has confessed to have assassinated the Minister. It is tough to unravel the mystery in two or four days in such cases. Even though some facts have emerged, it will take some time to arrive at the motive behind the crime.”
According to Bansal, following the murder, the State Government handed over the investigation to the Crime Investigation Department of (CID) of the Crime Branch. Additional Director, ADG CB, Arun Bothra, who was in the CBI and one the best officers, is camping at the spot and personally investigating the case. The entire investigation is being monitored by a retired Orissa High Court Judge.
Bansal further said police has contacted the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) to assist in the ongoing probe. “I have personally discussed the matter with Union Home Ministry officials and they assured us to extend all possible help. A CSFL team will also visit Odisha,” he said.
On recovery of some material objects like paper from a sewage tank, the DGP said it would be premature to say anything on the matter till a complete forensic examination of the papers is done.
“The principle of any good investigation is to keep all options open. We are not closing our minds. Whatever clue or evidence comes, we will take it to a logical conclusion,” he said.
Bansal said the principal accused Gopal Krushna Das was an ASI of Police when he fired at the Minister. In order to ensure transparency and rule out any kind of interference in the probe, all senior police officials in the district have been transferred as a ‘precaution.’
He informed that a detailed investigation is being conducted to review all aspects as the role of the Minister’s Personal Security Officer (PSO) was to ensure his protection. “The PSO was present on the spot when the incident occurred. We will investigate what his mistake was and other lapses and the prescribed punishment,” the DGP said.
