In a major breakthrough in the high-profile murder of lawyer Pitabas Panda, Berhampur police have arrested four individuals, including senior BJD leader Bikram Panda, marking a significant turning point in the investigation that began over ten days ago. Panda was shot at close range near his residence on Kumar Purnima night, sparking a statewide manhunt and intense police scrutiny.
Among those arrested are ex-Berhampur mayor Shivashankar Das alias Pintu, corporator Malay Bishoyi, and Madan Dalei, a close associate of Bikram Panda. Police sources revealed that Panda had been called in for questioning over a financial matter and was being interrogated by a special team until late night.
Extensive Investigation and Evidence Collection
The probe, which has involved questioning over 80 individuals and analyzing more than 500 CCTV footages, had earlier led to the arrest of a dozen people, including politicians and student leaders. Despite these steps, the mystery surrounding Panda’s murder remained unresolved until the latest arrests.
In a related development, police arrested a youth from Puri who had been evading authorities since the crime. Using location tracking, the team recovered a weapon buried under the sands of the coast, believed to be connected to the case. Investigators are still verifying the details, but sources indicate the case is nearing closure.
Political Links and Case Conclusion
South Odisha IG Nitish Shekhar stated that the investigation is in its final phase, with all key accused already in custody. Authorities plan to hold a press briefing soon to provide updates on the case.
The inquiry has delved into land disputes, financial transactions, and political rivalries, with the involvement of prominent figures fueling speculation of wider political connections in the assassination. Police are currently verifying links among the accused, which could uncover new evidence and finalize the investigation.