Jharsuguda, Odisha : The sensational murder case of former Odisha Minister Naba Kishore Das is back in focus as the ADJ Court in Jharsuguda begins a crucial hearing today. The testimony of former Brajrajnagar police station in-charge, Pradyumna Kumar Swain considered one of the key witnesses in the case is scheduled to be recorded.
Swain’s role came under scrutiny after revelations by BJD worker Saroj Sa, who claimed he had snatched a gun from Swain at the crime scene, fearing the officer might open fire. The incident, which occurred on January 29, 2023, saw dismissed ASI Gopal Das fatally shoot Minister Naba Das at Gandhi Chack in Brajrajnagar. The chilling footage of Gopal holding the gun moments after the crime was captured on video by bystanders.
Key Questions That Remain Unanswered
- Gun Snatching Controversy:
Despite Saroj Sa’s public confession of disarming Swain, the police investigation report failed to mention the second gun. No departmental action was taken against Swain for the breach of protocol. - IIC’s Injuries a Mystery:
Video footage shows Gopal being restrained by constables, but the claim that Swain’s finger was severed by Gopal’s bullet has raised eyebrows, as it doesn’t align with the arrest footage. - Second Car Firing Incident Ignored:
The SFSL (State Forensic Science Laboratory) later reported a second firing incident involving a car, which Swain did not mention in the original FIR filed hastily on plain paper. - FIR Filing Irregularities:
Swain filed the FIR himself, bypassing eyewitnesses, despite Naba Das’s family and colleagues being present at the scene. No statements from the family were taken, further deepening the mystery.
Advocate Naresh Nayak, representing accused Gopal Das, stated that Swain will be cross-examined thoroughly during the testimony recording. This is expected to shed light on several inconsistencies in the investigation.
With multiple questions still unanswered and public interest running high, today’s hearing could prove pivotal in unraveling the truth behind one of Odisha’s most controversial political assassinations.
