Odisha health minister Naba Das shot at by policeman, critical

The health and family welfare minister and senior Biju Janata Dal(BJD) leader Naba Das was shot by an assistant sub inspector of police. The firing happened at point blank range near Gandhi Chowk in Brajarajnagar.

Gopal Das, an assistant sub-inspector of police, opened fire at 60-year-old Das as he was stepping out of his car at Gandhi Chhak to attend a programme. Gupteswar Bhoi, a sub divisional police officer, said that bullets struck his chest on the left side. A couple shots from ASI’s handgun struck a second policeman who was standing close, causing him to sustain injuries as well.

The SDPO stated, “We are questioning the ASI to learn why he fired at the minister.”

After the event, Das was taken right away to a nearby hospital. According to officials, the minister is being flown to Bhubaneswar for additional medical care.

A pitcher composed of 1.7 kg of gold and 5 kg of silver weighing over 1 crore rupees was reportedly gifted by the three-time MLA to the Shani Singnapur temple in Maharashtra this month in honour of Triveni Amavasya. Das, however, claimed to have given 10 lakh rupees and promised a pitcher of mustard oil in exchange.