Naba Das murder case: 2 non-Odia officers main characters behind the scene, says Bijoy Mohapatra

Even as the ‘real motive’ behind the sensational murder of Odisha Health Minister Naba Das is still a mystery, senior BJP leader Bijoy Mohapatra on Thursday slammed the ongoing investigation by the Crime Branch.

At a presser, Mohapatra alleged that two non-Odia officers- one IAS and one IPS officer- are the main characters behind the scene. According to Mohapatra, these officers don’t want the Naba Das murder matter progresses further.

“Some Zilla parishad members from the ruling BJD, who were close to Naba Das, were threatened not to speak anything before the media. They are being pressurised not to give any statement to police and media,” alleged Mohapatra.

Mohapatra further alleged that attempts are being made to protect three categories of people---Gopal Das, the key accused, by terming him mentally ill, those who were part of the murder conspiracy and some highly-influential people.

The senior BJP leader further said that the motive of the crime is always important and until it is not found, justice will not be delivered.

“It is now evident that neither the crime branch nor the government is taking the investigation in the Naba Das murder case seriously. Rather a conspiracy is being made to close down the investigation. There was a conspiracy for murder, then a conspiracy for investigation and now conspiracy is underway to end the investigation,” alleged Mohapatra.

Why 120 (B) Was Not Added

Even in a petty clash between two groups in villages, the police usually register cases under Section 120 (B) in hundreds of cases. But after reviewing the FIR in the Naba Das murder case, 120 (B) of the IPC has not been inserted. Police can now also add the section by mentioning it in the case diary, said Mohapatra.

“It seems that 12 (B) was not registered and now the investigation is not being taken in this regard. So all investigation is only concentrated on Gopal Das and his mental condition. It is unfortunate and the first instance in Odisha where such a sensitive murder case is being pushed into oblivion,” said Mohapatra.

In Odisha Police history, this case will remain a black chapter.

“It is an in-camera investigation. Neither the DGP nor the Crime Branch officials are coming forward before the media. In-camera investigation is never done,” said Mohapatra.

What Happened To FBI

The Odisha government claimed that it will seek the help of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) which have the best expertise in behavioural analysis. However, 15 days passed and there is no information on what happened to such a decision and whether the state government has written to the FBI or what happened next, asked Mohapatra.

In Odisha, there are officers who have done remarkable jobs in the investigation of several sensitive cases. But it appears that there is ‘culpable omission’ and whom they are trying to protect, is unknown. But it is evident that attempts are being done to protect somebody, alleged Mohapatra.

(The statements of Odisha government or BJD could not be obtained over the allegations levelled by the BJP leader)

(Reported by Harihar Chand)