Dipali Das reiterates CBI probe as father Naba Das’ murder completes 2 years

It was on this day, senior BJD leader and former Health and Family Welfare minister Naba Das was shot dead on January 29, 2023 allegedly by an on-duty police officer Gopal Das in Jharsuguda district. On his second death anniversary, Das’ family has reiterated their demand for a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Expressing dissatisfaction over the probe by the Crime Branch (CB), Naba Das’ daughter Dipali Das demanded the case to be transferred to CBI. In a statement made today, exactly two years since her father's murder, Dipali revealed, “I am in the process of preparing the letter and we will demand a CBI probe through a written manner.”

“We have been demanding a thorough probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). All family members want a CBI probe. We will very soon demand it in writing. The case is still pending in High Court,” Dipali stated while speaking to media persons on her father’s 2nd death anniversary.

Also Read: Naba Das murder case: IPS, IAS and 2 politicians involved, alleges Sambalpur MLA Jayanarayan Mishra

Naba Das's death remains unresolved, leading his family to seek further investigation by India's premier investigation agency. The anniversary of his murder has reignited discussions around the need for justice and clarity on the circumstances surrounding his death. Prior investigations have not led to satisfactory outcomes, intensifying calls for a more in-depth probe.

The demand for a CBI inquiry comes amid broader concerns about the handling of high-profile criminal cases. The family holds hope that a CBI investigation will bring transparency and resolution.  Earlier, the Odisha Law Minister had also assured that the BJP-led state government would decide on the demand for a CBI probe.

Unresolved Questions in the Murder Case:

The murder of Naba Das continues to raise questions two years after the incident. A forensic report has revealed new details that challenge the initial narrative. Five bullet holes were found in a straight line on a car in the minister's convoy, raising doubts about the number of shooters involved. Additionally, a towel the minister was sitting on when shot is now missing, and his shirt was not preserved as evidence. These findings have intensified scrutiny of the Crime Branch's investigation and bolstered arguments for a more comprehensive probe by a central agency.

Political Implications of the Case

The Naba Das murder case has significant political implications in Odisha. The BJP, now in power, has been critical of the previous BJD government's handling of the investigation. Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan has accused the former administration of suppressing key facts related to the case. The BJP government's openness to a CBI probe marks a shift in approach and could potentially impact political dynamics in the state. The case continues to be a point of contention between the BJD and BJP, with both parties using it to question each other's commitment to justice and transparency.

Legal and Investigative Challenges

The case faces several legal and investigative challenges. The trial is ongoing, but new revelations from the forensic report have complicated matters. The missing evidence, including the minister's shirt and a bullet casing, raises questions about the integrity of the investigation. The Crime Branch has been asked to explain these lapses. The case's complexity, involving a high-profile political figure and a police officer as the accused, underscores the need for a thorough and impartial investigation. The potential involvement of the CBI could bring fresh scrutiny and resources to address these challenges.