Probe into Naba Das’ cook Lalit Sahu death reopens in Odisha

Jharsuguda Police reopened a probe on Friday into the suspicious death of Lalit Sahu, the cook of former minister Naba Das, after a renewed petition was filed for justice from Sahu's father, Belalsen Sahu. The case files were revisited, and fresh inquiries were initiated.

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In a significant development, the probe team quizzed Hemasagar Naik, the former minister’s security personnel, for around six hours at Jharsuguda Police Station. Despite the lengthy questioning, Naik reportedly provided no clear answers regarding the incident, leading to suspicions of inconsistencies in his accounts.

Police have indicated that based on these inconsistencies, further interrogations may follow as early as tomorrow. This progression comes in response to Belalsen Sahu’s formal demand for a comprehensive probe into his son’s death, seeking justice for Lalit Sahu.

The deceased’s father had requested Jharsuguda Police in writing to reopen the case.

What the security personnel told to the probe officer?

“Jharsuguda PS IIC Ranjan Bariha questioned me on Lalit Sahu’s death by ‘suicide’. He asked me who was present on the intervening day. He also asked when Lalit had committed suicide. I told him that it was around 6 O’Clock,” Hemasagar Naik said to OTV.

“Whatever I remembered, I told him accordingly. I have no idea as to how he (Lalit) died. I am a staff working there (Naba Das family’ house) and he was also a staff. I have been working there for nearly the last three and a half years,” the security staff stated.

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“One of our fellow staff Bikash had seen Lalit’s body hanging and he had first informed Sanjay Singh. I came to learn about the suicide incident from Sanjay Sir. When police had come to probe, I showed them the spot,” the security staff added.