Bhubaneswar: The Ministry of Home Affairs has been moved looking for help of American company Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Health Minister Naba Kishore Das’ homicide case, knowledgeable Tusharkanti Behera, the Minister of State for Home.

Replying to a question requested by Congress MLA Narasingha Mishra in Budget session of Odisha Assembly, the Minister said that as per the rule on Mututal Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) in legal instances such request will be made by the MHA. In accordance with the above provision, Odisha Government has sought help of FBI. However, the MHA is but to make a reply on this regard.

In the House, the Balangir legislator sought particulars from the state authorities that had declared to make a request to MHA for help of FBI in investigation in killing of ex-health minister Naba Das.

“Is there any information with the state government about FBI has either investigated or provided supports, 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 state 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 MHA in this regard,” Mishra requested.

Answering to the query, the Minister said that details about some other state looking for assist of FBI of USA throughout police investigation right into a legal offence is just not out there.

“As per information received from CID, CB, Odisha, Cuttack, 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.