Former Odisha minister Naba Das’ murder was calculated conspiracy?

Nearly two years after the shocking murder of former minister Naba Kishore Das, questions persist about whether it was a meticulously planned conspiracy, potentially aimed at erasing evidence. Allegations of manipulated investigations are rife, with concerns raised over several inconsistencies in how evidence was handled, sources said on Monday.

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According to the sources, the former BJD leader Naba Das was fatally shot at Brajrajnagar Gandhi Chhak in Jharsuguda district while wearing a white shirt, which was soaked in blood at the scene. Controversially, it is claimed that the Odisha Police Crime Branch did not preserve this crucial piece of evidence, nor did it undergo forensic examination.

Reports surfaced that the blood-stained shirt was incinerated at a private health facility (Apollo Hospital) in Bhubaneswar, citing Covid-19 protocols as justification, despite the fact that such restrictions were lifted around three months previously.

Despite attempts, the views of the hospital authorities could not be obtained.

In another suspicious turn, a key witness, Subhendu Patnaik, reportedly appeared before the court wearing a shirt different from what was recorded in evidence—a yellow shirt according to seizure documentation. He was recorded to have turned up in a white one. This inconsistency has fuelled speculation of possible manipulation to obscure the truth.

Subhendu Patnaik himself stated, “I was wearing a yellow shirt, I don’t know what all this fuss is about. The Crime Branch took my shirt; they could answer these queries.”

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Amid these allegations, the Crime Branch has asked the investigating officer (IO) concerned to clarify these discrepancies. The accused, Gopal Das’s legal counsel, noted that the seized shirt was not examined at the State's forensic laboratory. “Without the investigation team clarifying, it is too early to draw conclusions,” remarked the accused’s counsel.

With evolving developments, public calls have intensified for clarity on the case.

Concerns over transparency have led to appeals for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe to ensure a thorough and unbiased investigation.