Gopalkrushna Das, the Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) of Police who killed Health Minister Naba Kisore Das on Sunday by firing from his service revolver, does not have any past record of any violent behaviour even though his family members claim that he was suffering from bipolar mental disorder and hence often exhibited strange conduct.
On the other hand, the accused cop has an enviable service book record of having won 18 police medals for successful investigation of some crucial cases. This apart, he has also received cash awards for eight times for his meritorious service.
On Monday, the Crime Branch (CB) interrogated Gopal to know the motive behind the murder. He reportedly told the CB that he committed the ghastly act as he was mentally unsound.
According to Gopal’s family members, he is under medication for eight years now.
The CB recorded Gopal’s statement under Section 161 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).
On Monday evening, slain Minister Naba Das’ body was consigned to flames on the bank of Ib river at Kherual in Jharsuguda, his Assembly constituency. His son Bishal Das lit the ceremonial pyre. Thousands of mourners gathered to pay their last respects to Das.
Meanwhile, Brajarajnagar police Inspector Pradyumna Swain lodged a formal complaint accusing the ASI of committing the crime with a “clear motive to kill the Minister”. In another development, Additional Director General (ADG) of Crime Branch Arun Bothra announced that Gopal who had been taken to custody has been arrested.
The State Government announced a three-day state mourning as a mark of respect to the departed leader.
