Berhampur: Police protection has been provided to the family members of senior lawyer and BJP leader Pitabas, who was shot dead in Odisha’s Berhampur city last month, after they reportedly received threat calls.
Sources said four constables and a Havildar of Berhampur police have been deployed in civil dress for the protection of Panda’s family.
Panda’s son had sought police protection after he reportedly received threat calls from unknown persons recently. Subsequently, the slain leader’s wife also alleged that the family was being threatened by unidentified caller from unknown numbers.
His wife Susmita Panda made serious allegations seeking justice and protection from the Chief Minister and police authorities. She claimed that her family received threatening calls on October 27 and 28, and the caller used prime accused Bikram Panda’s name.
“Our lives are in danger. We are living in fear inside our home,” she said, urging authorities to ensure her safety and punish the culprits.
Panda, a member of Odisha State Bar Council, was shot dead by miscreants in near his house in Berhampur on October 6. Panda sustained bullet injuries in his chest and was rushed to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in a critical condition. However, he was declared dead on arrival by the doctors.
Panda had joined the BJP after quitting the Congress party ahead of the 2024 Assembly and Lok Sabha polls in Odisha. He was at the forefront in the fight against irregularities in Berhampur city and Ganjam district during the tenure of the previous government.
The police have so far arrested 14 accused, including former BJD MLA Vikarm Panda and former Berhampur Mayor Siba Shankar Das alias Pintu Das, in connection with the murder case.
Police claimed that Panda was killed due to political as well professional rivalry with the former BJD MLA and the former Mayor of Berhampur.