Odisha’s coastal region has recently witnessed a surge in audacious crimes, with the murder of senior BJP leader and lawyer Pitabas Panda standing out for its brutality and suspected links to the sand mafia. On Monday night, the 52-year-old, a vocal opponent of illegal sand mining in Ganjam district, was shot dead by two assailants on a bike just 50 metres from his residence in Baikuntha Nagar, under Vaidyanathpur police limits.
Eyewitness Account of the Attack
According to witnesses, at approximately 9:45 PM, Panda was returning home on his scooter when two outsiders confronted him. One fired a 7.65mm bullet into his left chest, puncturing his lungs and causing rapid internal bleeding. Panda managed to walk a short distance before collapsing. Locals rushed him to MKCG Medical College, where doctors declared him dead on arrival. Forensic reports later indicated the bullet lodged in his lower abdomen.
Investigation Underway
Law enforcement authorities have dispatched three special contingents, led by senior officers, to investigate the murder. Utilizing CCTV footage and telephone records, several suspects have been detained for questioning. Brahmapur SP Dr. Saravana Vivek EM and Ganjam SP Subhendu Patra confirmed that hired assassins carried out the killing, dismissing theories of political or professional rivalry. However, the sand mafia angle is being actively explored amid local speculation, as noted by Southern Range IG Niti Sekhar during the crime scene survey.
Pitabas Panda’s Political and Social Background
Once a prominent Congress leader, Panda had switched to the BJP after the last elections and maintained close ties with Minister of Mines Bibhuti Bhusan Jena. Known for his activism against illegal sand mining, he was highly respected in political and legal circles.
Funeral and Tributes
Panda was laid to rest at Gokarneswar crematorium near Gate Bazar, with BJP leaders, MPs, MLAs, the Ganjam Bar Association, and the State Bar Council paying their respects. His funeral saw a large gathering, expressing grief through loud sobs and prayers.
Impact and Broader Implications
A case (518/25) has been registered at Vaidyanathpur police station, with authorities promising swift action against the conspirators. The murder has heightened concerns over the link between politics and organised crime in Odisha’s sand mining sector, leaving Brahmapur residents shaken and anxious about safety and law enforcement effectiveness.