Political warfare over driver’s death, CM promises help

Bargarh: The death of one of the four injured in the attack on labour minister Susanta Singh’s brother Subrat has triggered a political war in the state with parties blaming each other about the incident.

The deceased, Dileswar Sahu who was reportedly the driver of Subrat’s vehicle succumbed to injuries at SCB medical college and hospital in Cuttack today.

Condemning the death, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik after paying tributes to Sahu said, "I am deeply distressed at this tragic demise of Dileswar Sahu. The Biju Janata Dal will look after his family and children for education. He is survived by his wife and two children. This is a very heinous and dreadful crime. Ours is a peaceful state. The people of Odisha will give a befitting reply to the criminals responsible for the murder."

Demanding action against all the accused, the BJD blamed the BJP accusing them that they have turned man-eaters just for a few votes.

BJD MLA Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak launched a scathing attack on BJP and said, “I have no words to describe this. We are deeply saddened. BJP has turned man-eater for votes.”

On the other hand, a delegation of BJP today met Governor SC Jamir seeking his intervention into the driver's death case. They have alleged that Labour Minister Susanta Singh had hired men to damage the vehicle and also stated it’s a conspiracy of the ruling party by arresting BJP activists who are not involved in the case. They further said that BJD is intentionally dragging the BJP into the matter.

Golak Mohapatra, BJP spokesperson said, ”If his condition was so serious, why did the government not facilitate air ambulance. Some mystery remains unfolded and therefore we want a CBI probe into the case.”

Replying to Mohapatra’s statement, BJD spokesperson Sameer Das said,”There is no need for CBI probe into each and every case. We have faith on the capability of Odisha police.”

Two days back, the Labour Minister’s brother and three others sustained injuries after being attacked near Banabira under Sohela block here. The injured were immediately rushed to Sohela hospital and later shifted to Burla medical college and hospital. Dileswar Sahu was again shifted to SCB where he succumbed to his injuries.

Police have reportedly arrested three persons in connection with the incident and are interrogating them.