Businessman Arrested for Sheltering Accused in Pitabash Panda Murder Case
Berhampur, October 23, 2025: In a significant development in the Pitabash Panda murder investigation, Berhampur Police have arrested Jeypore-based businessman Sunil Hota for allegedly providing shelter to two key suspects in the case.
he arrest was made in Sriramnagar, Koraput, following a coordinated operation with Jeypore Town Police.
According to officials, Hota is accused of harbouring Uma Bisoi and Kurapati Bhuyan, both wanted in connection with the murder of BJP leader and advocate Pitabash Panda. The duo reportedly stayed at Hota’s brick factory and farmhouse in Tatibeda village for four days after the crime.
Police sources revealed that Hota is a known associate of Bikram Panda, prompting his interrogation. After questioning, he was handed over to the Berhampur team and is scheduled to appear in court today.
This arrest brings the total number of individuals apprehended in the case to 13. Just a day earlier, 12 others were taken into custody and lodged in separate wards at Berhampur Central Jail.
The investigation continues as authorities probe deeper into the network that allegedly aided the accused in evading arrest.
