New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolence over the demise of Odisha Health and Family Welfare minister Naba Kishore Das, who succumbed to bullet injuries on Sunday.
Taking to Twitter, PM Modi wrote, “Saddened by the unfortunate demise of Minister in Odisha Government, Shri Naba Kishore Das Ji. Condolences to his family in this tragic hour. Om Shanti.”
Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik also expressed shock and distress over the demise of the minister.
“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. 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 said in a statement.
“As a leader, he was instrumental in strengthening Biju Janata Dal. 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,” the chief minister added.
CM Patnaik also prayed for the peace of the departed soul and expressed sympathy for his bereaved family.
Naba Kishore Das was critically injured after being shot in the chest in the Brajarajnagar area of Jharsuguda district.
The incident took place as the minister was on his way to an event at Gandhi Chowk. Sources said that assistant sub-inspector of Police (ASI) Gopal Das allegedly shot at Das as he was getting out of his automobile.
Visuals on the social media showed the minister with a bullet injury being taken inside a car as he was being rushed to a local hospital. He was later airlifted to Bhubaneswar with an accompanying team of medical specialists and live saving equipment on Sunday.