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Odisha Health Minister's death: Accused cop confesses to crime, dismissed from service

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Health Minister Naba Kisore Das murder accused Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) Gopal Krushna Das has admitted to the crime, Crime Branch ADG Arun Bothra said on Monday. Das of Gandhi Chowk Outpost under Brajarajnagar Police of Jharsuguda district was dismissed from services earlier today.


The accused ASI tried to flee the spot but locals caught hold of him and handed him over to police. Gopal Das opened fire at the state Health Minister when he was stepping out of his car around 1 pm on Sunday.

While speaking to media, Arun Bothra said that the accused, Gopal Das, has confessed to his crime. He added that the crime branch has brought a big team here, including forensic and cyber experts.

"We will try to get maximum possible punishment for the accused," he assured. “It is a clear-cut case. He has admitted to having committed the crime. We will try our level best to investigate the case properly and scientifically,” he added.

“We will collect maximum evidence and take statements of all the eyewitnesses present at the spot. Our entire effort will be to ensure punishment to the man who has committed the crime,” he further added.

Accused had mental disorder: Wife
The wife of the accused said her husband suffered from mental disorder for the last seven-eight years. Speaking to media, she said that her husband was treated for “psychological issues” for the past several years and was under medication.

Gopal Das's wife Jayanti also said that she is not aware of any personal enmity between Gopal and the minister. The accused shot at the minister twice.

Following the shooting incident, the 61-year-old minister was immediately airlifted to Bhubaneswar from Jharsuguda with an accompanying medical team of specialists and life support equipment. From Bhubaneswar airport, he was shifted immediately to Apollo Hospital where he breathed his last.

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