Naba Kishore Das, Odisha Health Minister was shot by a police officer in the chest and was later rushed to a hospital.
Odisha Health Minister, Naba Kishore Das was shot by an assistant sub-inspector today at around 1 PM.
The minister is critically injured and was later rushed to a hospital. Afterward, he was airlifted to Bhubaneshwar.
The incident took place at Gandhi Chowk near Bajrajnagar in the Jharsugda district. The minister was on his way to attend a program when he was shot in the chest just as he stepped outside his car.
Bajrajnagar Sub-Divisional Police Officer Gupteswar Bhoi told reporters “Assistant Sub-inspector of Police (ASI) Gopal Das opened fire at the minister. The minister is injured and rushed to hospital.”
The police also added that Gopal Das was caught by locals and was later taken into custody.
The minister was the chief guest at a public office grievance where a large crowd gathered to welcome him.
According to a witness, loud bangs were heard afterward and a police personnel was seen running away from close range. The motives behind the attack are still not clear.
Videos show Naba Kishore Das bleeding from the chest while people were trying to lift the minister, who seemed unconscious and place him in the front seat of the car.
Naveen Patnaik, Odisha’s Chief Minister has condemned the attack and has ordered the crime branch to investigate it.
He said “I am shocked at the unfortunate incident of attack. I strongly condemn this and pray for his early recovery. Crime Branch is directed to take up the investigation. Senior officers of the Crime Branch are asked to go to the spot,”
According to the wife of the policeman, he was suffering from mental health problems and has been getting treatment for years and is on medication currently.
“He suffers from mental health issues and has been under treatment for the past seven-eight years. He would behave normally after taking his medicine. The last time he was home was five months ago.” she said.
The wife of the sub-inspector said “I don’t know what happened. I just heard the case on the news. How would I know? I am at home. I have not spoken with him since this morning when he spoke to our daughter on a video call,”
Supporters of the minister have questioned security lapses and have claimed that a conspiracy was hatched to target the minister.
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