Odisha health minister cook's death case: Lalit died by suicide, claims family

While the major political parties in Odisha have started crossing swords over the death case of Lalit Sahu, cook of Odisha Health Minister Naba Das, the father of the deceased on Thursday urged not to politicise the death case while claiming that his son committed suicide.

Lalit’s father Belarsan Sahu and his brother Biranchi Sahu on Thursday visited Jharsuguda police station to lodge a written complaint, declaring that his son died by suicide.

While replying to the queries of journalists outside the police station, Belarsan said, “We are under severe mental distress since April 17 (Sunday) when my son’s body was recovered. The incident is now being unduly politicised. We are so much disturbed that I have not taken food in the last five days.”

“If something bad happens to me, these political parties will be held responsible,” said an aggrieved Belarsan. 

The Brother of the deceased, Biranchi said they are experiencing mental pressure as starting from political leaders to media persons have been visiting their house. “We are sure that my brother ended his life. So, there is no question of holding anyone responsible for his death,” he said.    

The father-son duo also claimed they are happy with the way the police are carrying out the investigation. 

Informing about the development, Jharsuguda sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) Nirmal Mohapatra said they have received a written complaint from the deceased’s father. 

“He has mentioned that while the family is already under severe mental stress after losing their son, the frequent visits of political leaders and media persons have only aggravated it. We will investigate into it,” said Mohapatra, claiming a free and fair investigation into Lalit’s death case.
   
It is worth mentioning here that Lalit was working as a cook in the Jharsuguda residence of Odisha Health Minister Naba Das. His body was found hanging in the Minister’s residence on April 17.