Odisha Police have intensified their investigation into the murder of senior advocate and BJP leader Pitabash Panda, securing a two-day remand of four more accused and recreating the crime scene with the alleged shooters, an official said.
Panda, who was also a member of the state Bar Council, was shot dead near his residence in Berhampur on October 6 while returning home on his scooter. Though he was taken to MKCG Medical College and Hospital, he was declared dead by the doctors.
The police have arrested 16 people, including high-profile political figures like former Berhampur MLA Bikram Kumar Panda and former Berhampur Mayor Shiva Shankar Das, in connection with the murder.
Police said, accused shooter Chintu Pradhan, along with murder plotters BJD corporator Malay Kumar Bisoyi, Madan Mohan Dalai, and Jogendra Raut, were taken on remand.
This followed the remand of two other accused – shooter Kurupathi Bhuyan and plotter Uma Shankar Bisoi – after they were produced before the Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate (SDJM) court in Berhampur. This brings the total number of accused currently in police custody to six.
During the remand, police conducted a crucial crime scene recreation. The shooters, Kurupathi and Chintu, demonstrated the mechanics how they allegedly fired at Panda.
Chintu reportedly drove the motorcycle while Bhuyan sat on the pillion. When Panda reached his residence, Bhuyan allegedly got down and fired at him at close range before they fled the spot, police said.
Panda’s younger brother, Purna Chandra, expressed satisfaction with the ongoing police investigation. He suggested the motive was financial, stating, “The shooters gunned down his brother for money.”
He added that the conspirators, who were once close friends of the victim, are now behind bars, and the family hopes they receive exemplary punishment.
