Bhubaneswar, 19 March (H.S.): The investigation into the murder of Naba Das continued for a second day as a team from the Odisha Crime Branch arrived at Veer Surendra Sai Airport in Jharsuguda to conduct a detailed inquiry. The team focused on the timeline and specifics of how and when Naba Das was airlifted following the shooting incident.

As part of their investigation, the Crime Branch also questioned two doctors who had treated Naba Das after the attack. Following the inquiry at the airport, the team moved on to Naba Das’ residence in Sarbahal, where they recorded new statements from family members in hopes of uncovering additional leads.

On the previous day, a two-member Crime Branch team, including Additional SP Vijay Mallick and DSP Diptimayee Mallick, visited the residence and took statements from Naba Das' daughter Dipali and son Bishal.

For context, Naba Das was allegedly shot by Gopal Das, a former ASI of police, in Brajrajnagar, Jharsuguda district, on January 29, 2023. After being airlifted to Bhubaneswar, Naba Das was declared dead at a private hospital in the city. Gopal Das was arrested the following day, and the State government directed the Odisha Crime Branch to take over the investigation. The Crime Branch has already submitted the chargesheet against Gopal Das in a trial court in Jharsuguda.

In related news, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is scheduled to meet Minati Das, the wife of the slain minister, this evening. Minati had requested an appointment with the CM, as the family continues to seek a CBI investigation into the case.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda