Odisha Health Minister Naba Kishore Das succumbs to bullet injury, condolences pour in

According to an official statement from the Odisha government, the national flag will fly at half-mast on the day of death and on the day of the funeral.

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"There will be no official entertainment for 3 days from January 29 to January 31 in the entire state," it read.

Minister Naba Kishore Das died hours after being shot by a policeman, battling a bullet which pierced his heart and lung, Apollo Hospital officials said.

A team of doctors led by Dr Debashish Nayak operated on him after he was airlifted from Jharsugada to Bhubaneshwar, hospital officials said.

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, the officials said.

According to officials, steps were taken to improve the heart pumping. He was given urgent ICU care. But despite the best of efforts, he could not be revived and succumbed to his injuries.

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

"He was an asset for both the Govt and the party. His death is a great loss to the State of Odisha," Odisha CMO said.

Earlier, the Chief Minister reached the hospital and enquired about the health of the minister who was attended by the specialists.

Patnaik condemned the attack on the minister.

The Chief Minister also directed the Crime Branch to take up the investigation into the matter, following which a team of Odisha Crime Branch headed by a senior police official proceeded to Brajarajnagar where state Health Minister Naba Das was shot at.

The team led by Additional Director General Arun Bothra left for the crime spot to inquire into the firing incident on Minister Naba Das.

Earlier, an eyewitness, advocate Ram Mohan Rao said that the policeman fired at the Odisha minister from point-blank range.

"This incident occurred at about 12.30 afternoon at Gandhi chowk when Das was on his way to attend a programme. He sustained bullet injuries to his left chest, leaving him seriously injured," Rao said.

"At a public grievance office opening, Naba Das was the chief guest. When he arrived, the crowd gathered to welcome him. Suddenly, a gunshot was heard. We saw police personnel running away after shooting from close range. Minister to be airlifted to Bhubaneswar," he added.

The exact reason behind the firing is still unclear.

President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday expressed her grief at the death of Odisha government minister Naba Kishore Das. Shocked and disturbed by the death of Shri Naba Kishore Das ji, Odisha Health minister, in a dastardly act of violence. My deepest condolences to his family and well-wishers, President Murmu tweeted.

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