In a statement, the Apollo Hospital here said the Minister was admitted to the hospital here with gunshot wounds on his left chest. A team of doctors, led by Dr Debashish Nayak, immediately attended to and operated on him.
On operating, it was found that a single bullet had entered and exited the body, injuring the heart and left lung, and causing massive internal bleeding and injury, it said.
"The injuries were repaired, and steps were taken to improve the pumping of the heart. He was given urgent ICU care. But despite best efforts, he could not be revived and succumbed to his injuries," the hospital said.
Health Minister Das sustained a bullet injury on his chest after he was allegedly shot at by Assistant Sub-Inspector of Police (ASI) Gopal Das from a close range near Gandhi Chhak at Brajarajnagar in Jharsuguda district around 12.30 pm.
Following the incident, the Minister was rushed to the District Headquarters Hospital, Jharsuguda. Later, he was airlifted to the State Capital and admitted to the private-run hospital.
Meanwhile, The accused ASI was taken into custody and interrogation was on to ascertain the motive behind the crime, police said.
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