A High-Profile Case That Shook Odisha
The murder of senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader and former Odisha Health Minister Naba Kishore Das remains one of the most shocking and widely discussed political assassinations in the state’s recent history. Over a year since the brutal incident, the case continues to grip public attention, especially as the Odisha Crime Branch intensifies its investigation following a change in the state’s political leadership.
The Incident That Sparked Outrage
On January 29, 2023, Naba Das was shot in broad daylight at Brajarajnagar in Jharsuguda district. He was stepping out of his vehicle to attend a public meeting when Gopal Das, an on-duty police officer, fired at him from close range. The minister was rushed to a private hospital in Bhubaneswar but succumbed to his injuries later that day. The assassination stunned both the political establishment and the public, triggering widespread outrage and speculation about the motive behind the attack.
Crime Branch Steps Up Under New Government
Initially handed over to the Odisha Crime Branch by the then BJD government, the investigation appeared to make limited headway. However, after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power in the state, the probe gained fresh momentum from March 2025.
On Friday, a Crime Branch team led by Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Bijay Kumar Mallick conducted a renewed round of interrogations in Jharsuguda district. The team questioned several individuals who may have had connections to the accused or the incident itself.
Key Leads Under Scrutiny
Among those questioned was Ganesh Bag, the husband of Rajpur Sarpanch Saraswati Nayak, whose political affiliations and local influence have drawn attention. The team also interrogated Praveen Deo, a functionary of Rajpur Gram Panchayat. Crucially, Deo had received a phone call from the accused, Gopal Das, just hours before the murder—an aspect the Crime Branch is examining closely.
Investigators are seeking to understand the nature and purpose of this call. Was it a final signal? A warning? Or perhaps a cry for help from someone allegedly battling mental instability? These are the questions now under sharper focus.
Motive Still Unclear, But Theories Abound
The motive behind the murder remains murky. While initial reports hinted at Gopal Das suffering from mental health issues, other theories point to possible political undercurrents or personal vendettas. Critics have questioned the pace and depth of the earlier investigation, suggesting that critical leads may have been ignored or downplayed due to political sensitivities.
The renewed efforts under a new regime suggest a more robust approach to unearthing the truth. As more individuals are brought in for questioning, and phone and financial records are reviewed, there is cautious optimism that the full scope of the conspiracy—if any—will finally come to light.
Justice Must Be Relentless
The murder of Naba Kishore Das is more than a political tragedy—it is a test of the justice system’s ability to act impartially, fearlessly, and effectively. With the investigation now reinvigorated, the hope remains that no stone will be left unturned in delivering justice, not only for the late minister’s family but for a public that deserves answers. In a democracy, political violence must never be allowed to fade into silence.
(With agency inputs)
