Odisha minister Naba Kishore Das dies of bullet injuries as attempts to save him fail: Hospital officials

BHUBANESHWAR: Odisha’s Health and Family Welfare Minister Naba Kishore Das died of bullet injuries on Sunday, Apollo Hospital officials said.

Earlier in the day, Das was shot and grievously injured when he got out of his car, allegedly by a police officer who was 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,” a statement issued by the hospital said.

Das sustained injuries after being shot at by a police personnel near Brajarajnagar in Jharsuguda district earlier today. He was airlifted to Bhubaneswar from Jharsuguda with an accompanying medical team of specialists and life support equipment. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik condemned the attack on the minister and prayed for his early recovery.

Earlier, an eyewitness, advocate Ram Mohan Rao said that the policeman fired at the Odisha minister from point-blank range.

“This incident occurred at about 12.30 afternoon at Gandhi chowk when Das was on his way to attend a programme. He sustained bullet injuries to his left chest, leaving him seriously injured,” Rao said.

“At a public grievance office opening, Naba Das was the chief guest. When he arrived, the crowd gathered to welcome him. Suddenly, a gunshot was heard. We saw police personnel running away after shooting from close range. Minister to be airlifted to Bhubaneswar,” he added. The exact reason behind the firing is still unclear.