Forensic reports have revealed the use of multiple firearms in the assassination of former Odisha minister Naba Das, suggesting the involvement of more than one shooter. According to the forensic science laboratory, while one bullet fatally struck Naba Das, five other bullets hit a government vehicle in his convoy. This raises suspicions of additional assailants beyond the primary accused, police officer Gopal Das.
The incident occurred on January 29, 2023, when BJD leader and former Health and Family Welfare Minister Naba Das was shot in Jharsuguda district. Gopal Das, a police officer, was arrested the following day and charged with the crime. As per the chargesheet, Naba Das was travelling in a two-vehicle convoy en route to Brajarajnagar Gandhi Chowk—he was in the leading vehicle, while his aides followed in a white Toyota Innova, which was later found with five bullet holes. Investigators recovered a firearm from Gopal Das, along with a magazine containing 18 bullets and three unfired rounds.
However, the forensic report adds complexity to the case. The absence of shell casings for the bullets that struck the second vehicle raises questions about the trajectory and source of the gunfire. Additionally, while some bullets recovered match Gopal Das’s weapon, the bullet that killed Naba Das has not been conclusively linked to his firearm. Defence lawyer Naresh Nayak has even speculated the possibility of a sniper’s involvement due to the precision of the attack, further deepening the mystery surrounding the minister’s assassination.
