Odisha health minister shot by cop tasked with protecting him

The health minister of the Indian state of Odisha was shot and injured by a police official assigned to protect him in Jharsuguda district today, officials said.

The incident took place in Brajrajnagar town of the district when Odisha Health Minister Naba Kishore, 57, was on his way to attend a meeting, reports our New Delhi correspondent.

"Assistant Sub-inspector of Police (ASI) Gopal Das opened fire at the minister. The minister was injured and rushed to a hospital," Brajrajnagar SDPO Gupteswar Bhoi told reporters.

The ASI, who fired from his service revolver from close range, has been detained.

As the condition of Naba Kishore, who was hit by bullets in his chest, remained critical, he was airlifted to Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, for further treatment.

The inspector in-charge of local police station and another person have also sustained injuries in the firing at Brajrajnagar, Gupteswar Bhoi said.

There was no official word yet on the motive behind the attack.

Odisha is ruled by Biju Janata Dal, a regional party.