Odisha Health and Family Welfare Minister Naba Kisore Das died of bullet injuries on January 29
Apollo Hospital said. Earlier in the day, he was shot and grievously injured allegedly by a police officer who was then captured.
“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,” the hospital said in a statement.
Das was shot in the chest by an Assistant Sub-Inspector of Police while he was going to attend a public function at the western Odisha town of Brajarajnagar.
The ASI, identified as Gopal Das, who was deployed for the protection of the Minister, allegedly fired four to five rounds of bullet from his service revolver from close range. The Inspector in charge of the local police station and another person have also sustained injuries in the firing.
The Minister was rushed to the Jharsuguda District Headquarters Hospital and was then airlifted to Bhubaneswar for further treatment.
The accused policeman is being interrogated. Senior police personnel said the assailant did not run away from the spot after firing at the Minister. Some personal vendetta was suspected behind the attack.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik condemned the attack and has ordered a crime branch probe. (The Hindu)
