Odisha Health Minister shot dead by cop

Odisha Health Minister Naba Kisore Das was shot dead on Sunday by an assistant sub-inspector at Gandhi Chowk near Brajarajnagar in Jharsuguda district while arriving at an event he was the chief guest. He was subsequently rushed to an Apollo Hospital, where he succumbed to injuries, according to media reports.

Visuals from the incident show the Health Minister getting shot at while stepping out of his car, reportedly at a public grievance office opening where he was named the chief guest.

Brajrajnagar Sub-Divisional Police Officer Gupteswar Bhoi, while speaking to media outlets, stated, “Assistant Sub-inspector of Police (ASI) Gopal Das opened fire at the minister. The minister is injured and rushed to hospital.” Das reportedly shot at the Health Minister twice and was subsequently caught by the locals around at the time.

Gopal Das has since reportedly been taken into custody, media outlets report.

“I am shocked at the unfortunate incident of attack. I strongly condemn this and pray for his early recovery. Crime Branch is directed to take up investigation. Senior officers of Crime Branch are asked to go to the spot,” stated Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who was seen consoling the son of the Health Minister at the hospital.

Formerly an advocate, Mr.Naba Kisore Das was appointed the Health Minister on May 29, 2019, and had been serving as the Health Minister in the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) since.