Odisha Health Minister Naba Das succumbs to gunshot injuries

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Health Minister on Sunday succumbed to the gunshot injuries at Apollo Hospital in Bhubaneswar.

Naba Das sustained injuries after being shot at by Police ASI Gopal Das near Gandhi chhak at Brajarajnagar in Jharsuguda district on Sunday. The incident occurred when Naba Das was on his way to attend a programme.

Apollo Hospital press statement said, “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.”

“On operating 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,” said the hospital.

CM Naveen Patnaik has expressed deep shock and distress over the unfortunate death of Minister Naba Das.

In a statement, the CM said, “I am shocked and distressed over the very unfortunate demise of Minister Sri Naba Das.”

The doctors made every possible effort to save his life. But unfortunately, he could not recover, said the CM.

He was an asset for both the Govt and the party. He has successfully carried many initiatives in the health department to the benefit of the people, the chief minister added.

As a leader, he was instrumental in strengthening Biju Janata Dal, the CM added.

He was a grass root person and was loved and respected by all, cutting across parties and sections of people.

His death is a great loss to the State of Odisha, Naveen said.

The CM has prayed for peace and tranquility of the departed soul and expressed deep sympathy for the bereaved family members.