The investigation into the high-profile murder of senior advocate and BJP leader Pitabash Panda is nearing a breakthrough, with the Inspector General (IG) of Police, Southern Range, Shri Niti Sekhar, assuring the public and the legal fraternity that the culprits will be nabbed soon.
Shri Panda was fatally shot by two motorcycle-borne miscreants near his residence in Brahma Nagar on the night of Monday, October 6. The cold-blooded nature of the crime, carried out in a crowded area, had triggered widespread outrage and protests, including a “pen-down” strike by advocates across the state.
The Berhampur Police have deployed multiple special teams, under the direct supervision of the Berhampur SP, Shri Saravana Vivek M, to crack the case. The investigation, which has analyzed hundreds of hours of CCTV footage and questioned nearly 50 suspected individuals, indicates the murder was a pre-planned assassination, likely executed by contract killers.
Authorities have confirmed they are pursuing all angles, with recent reports strongly suggesting a dispute over a massive land deal worth an estimated ₹10 to ₹12 crores as a primary motive.
In the past few days, police have reportedly detained and questioned several suspects, including individuals brought from outside the state, like Bihar, who are believed to have connections to the contract killing.
IGP Shri Niti Sekhar, while reportedly meeting with grieving advocates, reiterated the police’s commitment to delivering justice. “The investigation is being carried out thoroughly with technical support, and the criminals will be arrested soon,” the IGP stated, as the police work to identify both the assailants and the masterminds behind the shocking murder. The bullet retrieved from Shri Panda’s body has been sent for ballistic analysis, which is expected to provide key evidence.
The family of the deceased lawyer, along with political leaders and legal bodies, have placed their faith in the State Government and are awaiting a swift and decisive conclusion to the investigation.