“Crime Branch Protecting the Conspirators”: Pradeep Purohit Targets Odisha Government Again Over Naba Das Murder
Once again, Pradeep Purohit has targeted the state government over the murder of Health Minister Naba Das. He alleged that there is a deep conspiracy behind Naba Das’s killing. Speculations suggest that Naba Das aspired to become the next Chief Minister. Purohit reiterated his earlier statement, saying that those wanting to hold onto power in the post-Naveen era were responsible for the murder.
He said he had watched the video of the murder and it did not appear that an ASI could have carried it out alone. He expressed a lack of faith in the Crime Branch’s investigation, claiming the BJD is running a “gundaraj” (goon rule). According to him, anyone who tries to speak the truth is being silenced. He again emphasized that a larger mystery lies behind the murder and accused the Crime Branch of shielding the real conspirators.
Purohit also raised questions about the T-shirt worn by Gopal (the accused) during his appearance. He questioned why the Crime Branch dressed Gopal in such a T-shirt, suggesting it may have been done intentionally to portray him as the sole accused and divert attention from others involved.
Earlier as well, Pradeep Purohit had made explosive statements regarding Naba Das’s murder. He had claimed, “It is being said that Naba Das had visited a Shani temple with the aspiration of becoming Chief Minister. That very ambition led to his demise. The dispute over who would succeed Naveen Patnaik is the reason behind the murder. He was a cabinet minister—why did he visit the Shani temple? Whoever is dreaming of becoming the next CM of BJD is the real killer. This is a political assassination, and the government is knowingly protecting the murderer.” He also said that the BJP demands a CBI investigation into the case.
It is worth noting that on January 29, Health Minister Naba Das was shot in broad daylight at Gandhi Chhak in Brajarajnagar by ASI Gopal Das. The fact that a police officer carried out the shooting raised widespread debate and speculation. While a Crime Branch investigation is underway, although Gopal has confessed to the murder, the motive behind the killing remains unknown.
