Bikram Panda Walks Free After HC Bail in Pitabas Panda Murder Case

Brahmapur, Odisha: Former Brahmapur MLA and BJD Ganjam district president Bikram Kumar Panda walked out of Brahmapur Circle Jail after nearly 10 months in custody, following conditional bail granted by the Orissa High Court in the Pitabas Panda murder case.

Justice Aditya Kumar Mohapatra ruled that police failed to comply with mandatory arrest safeguards, including informing the accused of the grounds of arrest.

The court clarified that this finding does not affect the merits of the chargesheet or the ongoing trial.

Panda’s release turned into a political spectacle, with senior BJD leaders, local representatives, and cadres from Biju Yuva, Chatra, and Mahila Janata Dal gathering outside the jail.

A celebratory procession followed through Brahmapur, signalling the party’s show of strength.

The murder of BJP leader Pitabas Panda on October 6, 2025, remains unresolved.

Police arrested 16 people, including Bikram Panda, alleging political and personal rivalry. Panda has denied involvement, claiming false implication.

As part of bail conditions, Panda must not harass, threaten, or influence the victim’s family, informant, or witnesses.

Any violation could lead to his return to custody.

This case continues to loom large over Brahmapur politics, highlighting both the intensity of local rivalries and the importance of procedural safeguards in high‑profile trials.