We've sought FBI's help on Odisha minister's murder case: CM Patnaik

Reacting on the brutal murder of Odisha Minister Naba Kishore Das, CM Naveen Patnaik has said the state crime branch is seeking the help of the US' FBI as they are best in behavioral analysis.

Bhubaneswar: Making a public statement the first time after the brutal murder of Odisha Minister Naba Kishore Das, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday said the state crime branch is seeking the help of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as they have the best expertise in behavioural analysis in such cases.

The announcement came after a ruckus by the Opposition BJP and Congress in the state Assembly. "We have requested the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to facilitate an evaluation of the behavior of the accused by the behavioral support unit of the FBI of the US," the Chief Minister said.

On January 29, Naba Kishore Das, the then Health Minister was shot dead by an ASI Gopal Das, who was thereafter immediately dismissed from service. The incident followed orders of a crime branch investigation into the matter immediately. To ensure transparency in the investigation, Patnaik said on request of his government, the Orissa High Court has nominated one retired judge Justice JP Das to monitor the investigation of this case.

The crime branch has been asked to do a thorough and scientific investigation to establish the truth in the case, he said. It has taken services of the best forensic experts in the country in this case, the Chief Minister said, adding, the State Forensic Science Laboratory, the Central Forensic Science Laboratory in New Delhi and the Gujarat State Forensic Science Laboratory are assisting the crime branch.

Several tests including psychiatric evaluation, narco-analysis, forensic psychological assessment and layered voice analysis of the accused were conducted to examine whether the accused is telling the truth or is being deceptive, Patnaik said. He further reassured the Assembly that no stone will be left unturned in ensuring a full, fair and open investigation in the case with the assistance of the best forensic experts in India and abroad.

The Chief Minister also took the opportunity to strongly criticise the Opposition, especially the BJP, for politicising the sensitive case. "In the aftermath of this terrible incident, the manner in which this very sensitive case is being politicized has shocked me as well as the people of Odisha. It is disturbing to see the baseless and malicious allegations that are being made," he said.

Stating that the whole police investigation will be subjected to judicial scrutiny, the Chief Minister alleged that the Opposition has no other agenda except politicising heinous crimes and demoralising state's police force which is the pride of Orissa. "Assaulting a lady police officer on duty by a person holding high constitutional post is deplorable and disgraceful. Odisha has always respected its women and will never forgive this shameful behaviour," he said.