Bhubaneswar, Mar 19 (UNI) Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday assured that a thorough investigation will be conducted into the murder of former Health Minister Naba Das, and the real culprit will be given exemplary punishment as per the law.

The Chief Minister gave this assurance to the late Naba Das’s wife, Minati Das, who met him at the Lok Seva Bhawan to discuss the ongoing investigation into her husband’s murder.

The late Naba Das’s daughter, Deepali Das, a former MLA, and his son, Habib Das, were also present during the discussion.

According to sources from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), Majhi expressed deep sorrow over the incident, calling it extremely tragic and condemnable.

He stated that the government will re-examine all aspects of the case to identify and bring the real culprit to justice.

The Chief Minister assured the late Naba Das’s family that strict action will be taken against the guilty persons within the framework of the law.

He also advised Minati Das to cooperate with the investigating agency and assured her that she could personally inform him about any concerns regarding the case at any time.

Majhi further emphasized that he and his government are committed to ensuring justice.

Minati Das thanked the Chief Minister for meeting her personally and giving her hope for justice.

The late Naba Das, a powerful political figure in Western Odisha and a BJD minister, was murdered on January 29, 2023, as he was stepping out of his vehicle at Brajarajnagar to attend a political meeting.

According to the FIR, ASI Gopal Das, who was on traffic duty, opened fire at Naba Das from point-blank range.

The then BJD government had ordered a Crime Branch inquiry into the incident, following which ASI Gopal Das was arrested and sent to jail in connection with the murder.

On Tuesday, the Odisha Crime Branch reopened the case and launched a fresh investigation into the murder of Naba Das, who was a senior cabinet colleague in the Naveen Patnaik government.

A two-member team from the Odisha Crime Branch has already visited the residence of the late Naba Das and the Jharsuguda airport to conduct a fresh probe into various aspects of the murder case.

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