According to psychiatrists, the police officer, who had bipolar disorder and experienced extreme mood swings, shot the Odisha Health Minister
Naba Kishore Das, the Health Minister of Odisha, passed away a few hours after being shot by a police officer on 29th January, he was battling with wounds, according to Apollo Hospital officials.
According to hospital officials, he underwent surgery after being flown from Jharsugada to Bhubaneshwar.
Around 1 pm, 60-year-old Das was shot in the heart in Brajrajnagar town while the minister was en route to a programme in the neighbourhood.
Deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Hon’ble health minister of Odisha Sri Nabakishor Das . Odisha has lost a great leader and social worker. May his soul rest in peace.
My condolences to the bereaved family and friends .
Om Shanti. pic.twitter.com/0Z7zROgjDa— Chandrani Murmu (@chandrani_murmu) January 30, 2023
During surgery, it was found that a single bullet had entered and exited the body, damaging the left lung and heart while also causing severe internal bleeding.
The injuries were repaired, and steps were taken to improve the heart’s pumping. He was given urgent ICU care. But, despite best efforts, he could not be revived and succumbed to his injuries,’ the hospital said in a statement.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Odisha Governor Prof Ganeshi Lal and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik condoled the death of Das.
“Saddened by the unfortunate demise of Minister in Odisha Government, Shri Naba Kishore Das Ji.
Saddened by the unfortunate demise of Minister in Odisha Government, Shri Naba Kishore Das Ji. Condolences to his family in this tragic hour. Om Shanti.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 29, 2023
Condolences to his family in this tragic hour. Om Shanti,” Modi said in a tweet.
In a statement, Patnaik, who was believed to be close to Das, said he was shocked and distressed.
This vote of confidence by the BJD Supremo may have been made possible by the health minister’s proactive involvement during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Das is survived by his wife, Minati, and two children.
According to psychiatrists, Assistant Sub-Inspector of Police (ASI) Gopal Das, who shot the minister, had bipolar disorder and experienced extreme mood swings.
“Das had first visited my clinic about eight to ten years ago. He used to get angry very easily and was undergoing treatment for this,” Dr Tripathy said.
“I am not sure whether he was taking medicines regularly. If medications are not taken regularly, the disease reappears. It has been a year since he visited me last,” the doctor said.
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According to Jharsugda SDPO Gupteswar Bhoi, the ASI received a licenced pistol after being given control of a police outpost in the Gandhi Chhak neighbourhood of Brajrajnagar. The fact that Das used to take medication for his psychological condition was also confirmed by his wife, Jayanti. She remarked, “I cannot say whether he was regularly taking medicine since he stays about 400 kilometres from us.”
According to official sources, Das was sent out on Sunday to set up law and order for minister Naba Das’s visit. Das parked his motorcycle roughly 50 metres away from the area where he attacked Das before firing at the minister.
He allegedly started shooting as the minister got out of his car to attend a local event, and his followers praised him.
Only one of the two rounds he fired at the minister hit the target. Das made an immediate attempt to leave the area by firing in the air but was apprehended, according to police.
According to SDPO Bhoi, “He was quickly overpowered and arrested for questioning.”
He said that the cause of the ASI’s shooting of the minister had not yet been determined.
In the meantime, authorities said that the crime branch of the Odisha Police has taken charge of the case involving the death of the health minister.
According to a senior CB official, a seven-person special investigative team led by Ramesh Ch Dora, a deputy superintendent of police rank officer, has been formed and includes Crime Branch investigators, a Cyber Expert, a Ballistic Expert, and experts in both fields.
With a ballistics expert, he reached Jharsuguda by helicopter to start the investigation.
They have also been accompanied by Arun Bothara IPS, ADGP, CID-CB, who would personally oversee and monitor the investigation.
According to an officer, the CID Crime Branch has filed a case under section 307 IPC read with 27 Arms Act.
