Odisha Health Minister Naba Kishore Das, who was shot and critically injured when a police officer opened fire at him in Jharsuguda on Sunday, succumbed to his injuries at a hospital here.
“The assassination of a ‘powerful’ in broad daylight indicates the worst law and order situation in the State. Earlier, such incidents were reported from Bihar, but now such incidents are now happening in Odisha,” said general secretary Prithviraj Harichandan.
He also demanded a free and fair probe into the case. “The government should find out the motive behind the murder and it should carry out a free and fair probe into the matter,” he added.
“The party has postponed its protests as the Odisha government announced to accord state honour as a mark of respect to Odisha Health Minister Naba Das. The BJP will gherao all the block offices on February 2,3 and 4,” he added.
A police officer opened fire at Das in Jharsuguda. The incident occurred near Gandhi Chhak of Brajarajnagar in Jharsuguda as Das was on the way to attend a function. ASI Gopal Das, who was in his uniform, suddenly came near the minister's vehicle and opened fire at him with his service revolver.
The ASI was taken into custody, but the reason behind the brutal attack on the senior BJD leader is yet to be ascertained.
