The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has been moved in search of help of the American company Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Health Minister Naba Kisore Das’ homicide case, knowledgeable Minister of State for Home Tusharkanti Behera within the State Assembly on Monday.

Replying to a question by Congress MLA Narasingha Mishra, the Minister acknowledged that as per the rule on the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) in felony instances, such a request could be made by means of the MHA. So, the Odisha Government has sought help of the FBI. However, the MHA is but to make a reply on this regard.

Mishra sought particulars from the State Government as regards its request to the MHA for assist of FBI in investigation.

“Is there any information with the State Government about the FBI having either investigated or provided support, guidance to any State police in the country during police investigation into a criminal offence/case in the concerned stated. If so, will the Govt furnish details of cases being investigated by police of different States with support from FBI? If not, how the CM declared in the House to request MHA for support of FBI in investigation of killing of ex-Minister of Health? Will the Govt furnish the letter submitted to the MHA in this regard?” Mishra requested.

In reply, the Minister acknowledged that details about every other State in search of assist of the FBI throughout police investigation right into a felony offence isn’t accessible.

“As per information received from CID, CB, Odisha, the Ministry of Home Affairs has shared with all the States a comprehensive guideline for investigation abroad and issue of letters Rogatory (LRs), Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA). The Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) is a mechanism whereby countries operate with one another in order to provide and obtain formal assistance in prevention, investigation and prosecution of crime. India has MLA treaties/bilateral agreements with many countries including US,” he knowledgeable.