Odisha Crime Branch ADG meets Justice JP Das over Naba Das murder case

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Crime Branch Additional Director General (ADG) Arun Bothra today met Justice JP Das, the retired judge nominated by Orissa High Court to monitor crime investigation into murder of Health Minister Naba Das.

Sources said that the IPS officer met Justice Das at his residence and discussed the headway in the investigation into the sensational murder case.

Justice Das reportedly suggested Bothra to probe the matter from necessary angles.

However, Bothra denied to make any statement to media regarding the ongoing probe.

“Crime Branch ADG discussed the investigation being carried out into Naba Das murder case. I have told him the direction that needs to be investigated, said Justice Das after the meeting adding that he will personally visit the crime spot.

“I hope the Crime Branch will go to the root of the incident,” he said.

Worth mentioning that Orissa High Court has appointed Justice JP Das to monitor the investigation being conducted by the Crime Branch team headed by ADG Arun Bothra into Naba Das murder case.

On the request of state government to nominate a sitting or retired judge for supervision of the ongoing probe into the minister’s assassination, the High Court cleared Justice Das’ name to monitor the probe on regular basis.

Justice Das had served as the judge of Orissa High Court from April 17, 2015 till May 19, 2019.

Health Minister Naba Kishore Das was shot by police ASI Gopal Krushna Das while he stepped out of his car to attend a public meeting at Gandhi Chowk in Brajarajnagar on January 29 afternoon in Jharsuguda district. The police personnel, who was assigned for traffic regulation during the minister’s visit to Brajarajnagar, used his service revolver to kill Naba Das.

Naba Das was declared dead hours later at the Apollo Hospital in Bhubaneswar.

The state government suspended the slain minister’s PSO Mitrabhanu Deo for dereliction of duty, a day after he was questioned by the Crime Branch in connection with the minister’s murder.

Besides, Brajarajnagar police station Inspector-in-Charge (IIC) Pradyumna Kumar Swain and Gandhi Chowk police outpost in-Charge Sub-Inspector (SI) Sashibhusan Podha were also transferred.