Odisha Health Minister Naba Kishore Das who was shot at Jharsuguda district on Sunday around 1 pm succumbed to injuries hours after he had been airlifted to the state capital for better treatment.
As per the reports of the Apollo hospital where he was undergoing treatment, Das died of excessive internal blooding. "On operating, it was found that a single bullet had entered and exited the body injuring the heart and left lung and causing massive internal bleeding and injury. The injuries were repaired, and steps were taken to improve the pumping of the heart. He was given urgent ICU care. But despite the best of efforts, he couldn't be revived and succumbed to his injuries," the statement said.
Earlier, it came to knowledge that Odisha crime branch would be probing into the matter. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had expressed shocks over the unfortunate incident and condemned the act. He was also found consoling Das's son in the hospital.
The incident took place in Brajrajnagar town of the Jharsuguda district around 1 pm when Das was on his way to attend a meeting.
According to Brajrajnagar SDPO Gupteswar Bhoi, "Assistant Sub-inspector of Police (ASI) Gopal Das opened fire at the minister, who sustained bullet injuries. The minister was then rushed to a hospital,"
He also added that the accused ASI was nabbed by local people, who then handed him over to the police.
Bhoi earlier in the day said an inquiry has been launched to find out what prompted the ASI to open fire.
A video of Das has been shared by media organisations that shows Das to be bleeding from his chest. He seems unconscious in the video and people can be seen trying to place him on the front seat of a car.
Tension prevailed in the town in the wake of the incident, with supporters of Das questioning "security lapses". Some of them claimed that a conspiracy was hatched to target him.
Bhoi said that the ASI was currently being interrogated, and more details will be available after a thorough investigation.
(With PTI inputs)
