New Delhi: Odisha Health Minister Naba Kisore Das sustained critical bullet injuries to his chest after an assistant sub-inspector shot at him on Sunday.
The minister was heading to attend a programme when he was attacked near Gandhi Chowk in Brajarajnagar of Jharsuguda district, NDTV reported.
Critically injured by the two rounds of gunshots, he was immediately airlifted to Bubanewswar after having taken him to a hospital in the vicinity.
Gupteswar Bhoi told reporters that Assistant Sub-inspector of Police (ASI) Gopal Das opened fire at the minister.
“The minister is injured and rushed to hospital," Gupteswar Bhoi reportedly said.
Witness claimed that the officer stepped out the vehicle and shot at the minister.
Videos emerging from the crime scene showed a bloody Das being carried to a car.
The gunshot was heard when Naba Das, the chief guest at a public grievance office opening, arrived, the report said.
A police personnel was reportedly seen running away after shooting at the minister at the close range.
The motives behind the attack are still unclear.