Bhubaneswar:  Odisha Health Minister Naba Das on Sunday died in a Bhubaneswar hospital, hours after he was shot in the chest by a policeman in  Jharsuguda district of the East Indian state, media reports said.

"On operating, it was found that a single bullet had entered and exited the body, injuring the heart and left lung and causing massive internal bleeding and injury. The injuries were repaired, and steps were taken to improve the pumping of the heart. He was given urgent ICU care. But despite best of efforts, he could not be revived and succumbed to his injuries," a statement from Apollo Hospital read as quoted by Hindustan Times.

Earlier in the day, the minister was shot at by an Assistant Sub Inspector of Police.

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

Odisha Health Minister Naba Kishore Das receives critical injuries after being shot at

The Chief Minister said he was shocked at the unfortunate incident of attack on the Minister.

The minister was airlifted to Bhubaneswar for treatment.

Brajarajnagar SDPO G Bhoi told UNI 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.