The Odisha government has sought the help of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) of the United States for the investigation into the high-profile murder of cabinet minister Naba Das.
Making a statement in the Assembly on the sensational murder on Wednesday, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said, “The State Crime Branch is seeking the help of the Federal Bureau of Investigation of the United States of America, as they have the best expertise in behavioral analysis in such cases.”
“We have requested the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India to facilitate an evaluation of the behavior of the accused by the Behavioral Support Unit of the FBI of the United States of America. I want to reassure the house that no stone will be left unturned in ensuring a full, fair and open investigation in the case with the assistance of the best forensic experts in India and abroad,” Patnaik added.
However, Patnaik expressed his shock over the politicisation of the sensitive case.
“In the aftermath of this terrible incident, the manner in which this very sensitive case is being politicised has shocked me as well as the people of Odisha. It is disturbing to see the baseless and malicious allegations that are being made. Independent judiciary is one of the strongest pillars of our democracy. After the Honourable High Court has appointed a retired High Court Judge to monitor the investigation of the case, the whole police investigation will be subjected to judicial scrutiny. So, what is the need to do politics in the case and make baseless and malicious allegations? We should all respect and have faith in our independent judiciary,” the Chief Minister said.
“I am deeply shocked that the accused of this heinous crime is a policeman. I am disturbed at the statements made by some leaders of opposition party especially the state BJP on the entire police Force. I pity, the opposition, especially the state BJP that has no other agenda except politicising heinous crimes and demoralising our police force which is the pride of Orissa. These unfortunate tragic incidents involving an individual in uniformed service have happened in the past whether army or central paramilitary forces. But it has never led to defaming of the entire force,” he added.
Following Patnaik's statement, the Leader of Opposition, Jayanarayan Mishra responded to it as ,"Chief Minister woke up after 24 days of Naba Das'death. And there is nothing new in his statement. The Crime Branch investigation is still revolving around Gopal Das. The CB is shying away from investigating the motive behind the murder."
"CM is still not willing to hand over the investigation to the CBI and has put his faith on FBI. If the State government can conduct all the relevant tests by the Central agencies then why not investigate the case through a central agency as well," Mishra asked.
On the other hand, The budget session of the Odisha Legislative Assembly witnessed ruckus for the second consecutive day on Wednesday after the Opposition parties targeted the ruling party over Minister Naba Das murder and other issues.