Naba Das murder case: Will write to Odisha CM for CBI probe, says daughter Dipali

Amidst the ongoing controversy and alleged lapses in the investigation into the assassination of former BJD minister Naba Das, the family members of the deceased leader are now demanding a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Late BJD minister Naba Das’ daughter Dipali on Sunday informed that already they are discussing the matter and would soon place a demand before the Odisha government for a CBI probe in writing.

Earlier, late Naba Das’ family was mum when the entire case was being investigated by the Crime Branch during the previous BJD government’s term.  It is now being questioned why Dipali Das and other family members are throwing weight behind CBI probe when no such demand was raised in the past.

Is the move politically motivated or the family is convinced that there are multiple loopholes in the previous investigation of the case?

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

The forensic science laboratory's report from the crime scene indicated that one bullet struck the minister while five bullets were found to have hit an accompanying government vehicle. This finding challenges earlier assumptions that implicated only one suspect, Gopal Das, suggesting potential involvement of more individuals in the murder plot.

The daughter of late BJD leader Naba Das and former Jharsuguda MLA Dipali Das had earlier demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into her father's murder. On Dipali’s statement, Odisha Law Minister urged Dipali to submit formally in writing to ensure a proper course of action.

"We are having consultations and will put forward a formal written request demanding a CBI investigation into my father Naba Das' assassination,” said Dipali. 

Dipali further said, “I have urged Odisha CM for CBI probe. Whatever facts and investigations have happened, things will come out after CBI probe. We will certainly submit our demand in writing and we will do whatever is needed from our side. We are discussing this with our family. If they (government) want to take up the probe in an impartial manner, they should do so,” said Dipali.

Advocate Manas Mohapatra said, “When the chargesheet was submitted based on the FIR lodged, a protest petition could have been filed by the complainant citing that the investigation has not happened properly. Such a chance has been missed by the family. I am not sure whether an investigation is pending or the final chargesheet has been submitted. Now if there is some clinching material, they can file an application in court.”

Mohapatra said that already two years have passed since the trial and now the family is demanding a CBI probe. The circumstance is the change of government, he said.

“The fundamental of criminal law is that if an informant is not satisfied and there is concrete evidence, they can submit before court and something can happen. Otherwise, just filing for a CBI probe will not materialise,” he added.

Reacting to Dipali’s statement, the Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Sambalpur, Jaynarayan Mishra, remarked that wisdom seems to have dawned, albeit delayed.

Mishra further suggested that Dipali should not limit her appeal for a CBI investigation to the Chief Minister’s desk. He suggested that the court be formally approached in writing as well, to ensure a comprehensive appeal for justice is pursued, hinting at a need for procedural thoroughness in addressing this high-profile matter.

“I welcome the development. She should also write to the court that they don’t have belief in the preliminary inquiry report of the Crime Branch and they have rejected it. She should request for fresh investigation into the incident,” said Mishra.

“We don’t want to give an opinion on Crime Branch inquiry as we had out rightly rejected it. People have the right to know about the reason and motive behind the murder. The matter occurred two years ago. If the investigation will be given to the CBI now, it will be difficult to find the culprit. Conspiracy has been hatched during the tenure of the previous government so that the culprit will escape,” he added.