Odisha's Health and Family Welfare Minister Naba Kishore Das died of bullet injuries on Sunday, 29 January, news agency PTI quoted Apollo Hospital officials as saying.
The big points: This came hours after he was allegedly shot at by an assistant sub-inspector (ASI) of police in Jharsuguda district. Das had reportedly sustained injuries and was rushed to the hospital. An inquiry has also been launched to find out what prompted the ASI to open fire, Brajrajnagar SDPO Gupteswar Bhoi told PTI.
What did the hospital say? “The injuries were repaired, and steps were taken to improve the pumping of the heart. He was given urgent ICU care. But, despite best of efforts, he could not be revived and succumbed to his injuries,” a statement issued by the hospital said.
What we know: In a video footage of the incident, the minister is seen bleeding from the chest. People were seen trying to help the injured minister into the car.
While he was first taken to the Jharsuguda district headquarters hospital, arrangements were made to airlift him to Apollo Hospital in Bhubaneswar hospital.
What was said: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said, "I am shocked and distressed over the very unfortunate demise of Minister Sri Naba Das. The doctors made every possible effort to save his life. But unfortunately, he could not recover. He was an asset for both the government and the party."
The chief minister added, "He has successfully carried many initiatives in the health department to the benefit of the people.the chief minister added. As a leader, he was instrumental in strengthening Biju Janata Dal. He was a grass root person and was loved and respected by all, cutting across parties and sections of people."
"I am shocked at the unfortunate incident of attack. I strongly condemn this and pray for his early recovery. Crime Branch is directed to take up investigation," the chief minister had earlier said.
Crime Branch Addl DG Arun Bothra is on his way to Brajarajnagar along with his team to inquire into the firing, sources told The Quint.
Who Was Health Minister Naba Kishore Das?
Das was among the newly appointed ministers who took oath in June, 2022 after CM Naveen Patnaik’s decision to revamp his cabinet.
An influential leader from Jharsuguda, he had jumped ship from Congress in 2019 and joined the Biju Janata Dal a few years ago.
“The people and voters of my area want that I should contest the next election 2019 from BJD as they want our area to develop and I should join hands with Shri Naveen ji, Chief Minister of Odisha,” Das, a three-time MLA had written in his letter to Rahul Gandhi on 16 January.
From a leader of the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), Das became the chief of the Odisha Congress, and as one of the most trusted ministers of the Naveen Patnaik cabinet.
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