Bhubaneswar: Odisha Health and Family Welfare Minister Naba Das, who was shot at by an Assistant Sub Inspector of Police in Jharsuguda district of the East Indian state, was airlifted to Bhubaneswar for treatment at a private Hospital on Sunday.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik condemned the attack on the Health Minister and directed the Crime Branch to take up the investigation of the case.

Patnaik also directed senior Crime Branch officials to go to the spot.

The Chief Minister said he was shocked at the unfortunate incident of attack on the Minister and prayed for his early recovery.

A green corridor has been made from the Biju Patnaik International Airport to the private hospital and doctors and ambulances were kept ready for the shifting of the Minister to the hospital smoothly.

Brajarajnagar SDPO G Bhoi said accused ASI Gopal Das fired around four to five rounds at the Minister while his supporters were welcoming him with flowers and garlands soon after he alighted from the car.

The Minister fell and was found in a pool of blood.

His supporters immediately rushed him to the Jharsuguda District Headquarters hospital.

Bhoi said the ASI has been taken into custody and the police are interrogating him to ascertain the cause of firing.

(With UNI inputs)