Berhampur: Pintu Das, former Berhampur Municipal Corporation Mayor and a key accused in lawyer Pitabas Panda murder case, was on Friday shifted from Berhampur Circle Jail to Phulbani Jail in Odisha’s Kandhamal district.
As per sources, Pintu Das transferred to Phulbani Jail in the morning amid tight security arrangements following concerns raised over his safety.
A petition was earlier filed in the SDJM Court expressing concerns over his safety inside Berhampur Circle Jail in Ganjam district. The petition claimed that there was a potential threat to his life while being lodged there.
It was contended that Mouz Mishra, who is facing charges in the murder case of Pintu’s close aide Shanti Mishra, is currently lodged in the Berhampur Circle Jail.
Taking into account the risk, it was decided to transfer Pintu Das to Phulbani Jail for his safety.
In another development, the Berhampur SP has written to the Director General of the Odisha Crime Branch for the engagement of two lawyers to conduct Pitabas Panda murder case in Berhampur court. Request has been made for the appointment of Kali Charan Mishra, Addl. Legal Advisor, CBI (Retd.) Advocate, Orissa High Court as Special Public Prosecutor and Abinash Padhi, Advocate, Orissa High Court as Addl. Special Public Prosecutor.
Altogether 14 people have so far been arrested in the sensational murder case.
Police said the murder of Panda, who was a leader of the ruling BJP, was linked to a political rivalry, personal enmity, and a meticulously executed conspiracy involving multiple layers of planning and several accused from within and outside Odisha.
It may be recalled that Pitabas Panda was shot dead on the night of October 6 by two assailants near his residence. He was rushed to MKCG Medical College and Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
As per police, Bikram Panda, former Berhampur MLA and Ganjam district BJD president, and Pintu Das were the main conspirators behind the killing.
