Berhampur: In a significant development in senior lawyer Pitabas Panda murder case, police on Wednesday arrested Odisha MLA and Biju Janata Dal’s (BJD) Ganjam district president Bikram Panda over his suspected involvement in the killing.
As per sources, 12 people have so far been arrested in connection with the sensational case. They include former Berhampur Mayor Siba Shankar Das alias Pintu Das, corporator Malay Bisoi, student leader Madan Dalei, two sharpshooters, a local shooter and a person who kept an eye on the advocate.
The number of arrests in the case is likely to rise further as the investigation progresses.
After being arrested, Bikram Panda and others were produced before Berhampur court under heavy security. A large police force surrounded the court premises to maintain order. They were later remanded to judicial custody for 14 days due to rejection of their bail pleas.
Earlier, Bikram Panda was interrogated at Baidyanathpur Police Station here on Tuesday over a financial transaction suspected to be being linked to the case. A special police team grilled him late into the night.
It may be noted that Pitabas Panda, a member of the Odisha State Bar Council, was shot dead by unidentified assailants near his residence in Kamapalli area under Baidyanathpur police limits on October 6. He sustained bullet injuries on his chest and was rushed to MKCG Medical College and Hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.
The police have been probing multiple angles, including property disputes, loan dealings, and professional rivalry. Over the past 15 days, police have questioned more than 80 individuals and examined over 500 CCTV footage clips, as well as the deceased’s call detail records (CDR).
Berhampur police is likely to disclose more details about the investigation and the motive behind the murder soon.
