Naba Das murder: Family submits request for CBI probe; CM says real culprit will be punished

The family of late BJD leader and former minister Naba Das met Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday and demanded an inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into his murder case.

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The meeting session took place at around 5.00 PM at Lok Seva Bhavan in Bhubaneswar, lasting approximately 90 minutes.

Naba Das’s daughter, Dipali Das, handed a formal written application to the Chief Minister, seeking an expansion of the existing investigation. Accompanying Dipali were her mother, Minati Das, and brother, Bishal Das. Together, they expressed concerns over the current Crime Branch inquiry and advocated for a broader, impartial probe by the CBI.

“We, the entire family, met the Chief Minister today and we handed over a letter to him requesting a CBI probe. The CM has assured us to consider an impartial furtherance of the probe into my father’s murder. He told us that he would let us know about the decision, but assured us an impartial probe,” Dipali said to mediapersons.

“Real culprits will be arrested and stern punishment will be meted out; all aspects of the case will be examined again,” CM Majhi asserted after meeting the family members.

Odisha Director General of Police (DGP) YB Khurania along with Crime Branch Director General Vinaytosh Mishra was also present during the meeting to discuss the status and findings of the ongoing investigation with the bereaved family.

The necessity for CBI’s involvement highlights the family's quest for justice following the unfortunate event, which has stirred significant public and political interest in Odisha.

Family's pursuit of justice

Das's daughter Dipali intensified demands for CBI intervention through public appeals and direct requests to CM Mohan Majhi. The family expressed dissatisfaction with CB's 2023 chargesheet against Gopal Das alone, prompting Orissa High Court to consider a PIL demanding central agency involvement. 

Forensic revelations and new evidence

A 2025 forensic report revealed five additional bullet impacts on a convoy vehicle, suggesting multiple shooters beyond accused policeman Gopal Das. Defense lawyers highlighted the absence of shell casings for these rounds, raising questions about a potential sniper's involvement. While Gopal Das's weapon matched some bullets, the fatal shot remains unlinked to his firearm.

Must Read: Former Odisha minister Naba Das’ murder was calculated conspiracy?

Ongoing investigative steps

CB teams revisited Jharsuguda Airport and hospitals to verify medical response timelines and airlift logistics from the crime scene. Investigators questioned doctors involved in Das's emergency treatment and re-examined ballistic evidence from the convoy vehicle. Simultaneous probes into the mysterious death of Das's cook aim to uncover potential connections.