Odisha Law Minister responds to Dipali Das' demand for CBI inquiry into father Naba Das’ ‘murder’

A day after Dipali Das, the daughter of late BJD leader Naba Das and former Jharsuguda MLA urged the Mohan Majhi government to consider initiating a formal inquiry by the CBI, Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, has responded to Das' demand for a CBI probe into the murder of her father. 

Minister Harichandan noted that simply expressing concerns to the media does not suffice. Instead, he urged her to submit formally in writing to ensure a proper course of action. He stated that if there are grievances with the investigation conducted by the previous Naveen Patnaik-led BJD government, such concerns ought to be formally submitted in writing to allow the current government to take appropriate action.

Also Read: Naba Das murder: Daughter Dipali Das calls for CBI probe

The Odisha Crime Branch, which initially led the inquiry, is under fire not only for the perceived unwillingness to reveal the motive but also for allegedly diverting public focus away from uncovering the full truth. 

“It is ultimately up to the Chief Minister to consider a CBI inquiry. Previously, we have questioned the Crime Branch's handling of the case. Despite the apprehension of the assailant, the erstwhile administration failed to elucidate the motives behind the tragic incident,” Harichandan remarked.

“Though belated, Deepali came to realise that the Crime Branch's findings were misleading,” he added.

Similarly, senior Congress leader and former legislator Santosh Singh Saluja voiced concerns over the lack of a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry. He highlighted that the call for a CBI investigation was made two years ago, but it was met with little support from the government at that time.

Saluja revealed that despite the delay, Das's family has now become aware of the possibility of a CBI probe. He asserted that although the murder appeared suspicious from the start, the family chose to remain silent during the intervening period.

“Naba Das’ murder has been suspicious from the start. We had raised the issue in the Vidhan Sabha demanding a judiciary probe or CBI inquiry. But, his family members remained silent back then. It is good that at least now they have realised that their father’s death was a conspiracy. So, there should be a CBI inquiry into the incident,” Saluja stated.