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Last Updated:October 22, 2025, 14:42 IST
BJP leader and Advocate Pitabas Panda was shot dead by two motorcycle-borne assailants near his Berhampur residence late on October 6.
Former BJD MLA Bikram Panda (Photo: Facebook)
Former Berhampur MLA and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Ganjam district president, Bikram Panda, has been arrested in connection with the murder of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and lawyer Pitabash Panda. As per the police sources, Panda was formally arrested last night after hours of interrogation. Notably, he was first detained in connection with the case. Eventually, he was formally arrested along with seven others.
Among those arrested are BJD corporator Malay Bishoyi, former mayor Shiba Shankar Das (Pintu), and BJD leader Madan Dalai. In addition, two sharpshooters, Chintu Pradhan and Jagi Raut, have also been taken into custody.
Following their arrest, all the accused were produced before the court on Wednesday, which rejected their bail pleas. Subsequently, they were remanded to 14-day judicial custody. As per the police, further investigation is underway.
The arrest has sparked protests from his supporters. Police deployed a large police force around the court premises to maintain order.
As per a report by PTI, Berhampur SP Saravana Vivek M told reporters that Pitabash Panda’s murder was the result of “political rivalry, personal enmity and financial loss."
“There was a deal of Rs 50 lakh to eliminate Pitabash Panda, of which Rs 10 lakh was paid to the person who opened fire," the SP said.
The SP also alleged that Bikram Panda had conspired to murder Panda and said the police have seized the weapon used in the killing.
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d...Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d...
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Location :
Odisha (Orissa), India, India
First Published:
October 22, 2025, 14:42 IST
News india Former BJD MLA Bikram Panda, 7 Others Arrested In BJP Leader’s Murder Case In Odisha
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