Former MLA, Ex-Jail Doctor Questioned Over Alleged Witness Threats in Pitabasa Panda Murder Case

According to police sources, investigators are probing claims that threatening phone calls were made to advocate Lalit Mohan Mangaraj, a key witness in the case, from inside the jail premises using the mobile phone of Dr Panigrahi.

The alleged threats were reportedly intended to influence or prevent the witness from testifying in court.

The police have registered a separate case in connection with the alleged intimidation and are gathering evidence, including voice samples, call records, and CCTV footage from the prison.

As part of the investigation, spectrographic voice analysis has been planned to compare recorded conversations with samples collected from individuals under scrutiny.

While Dr Panigrahi reportedly cooperated with investigators and provided a voice sample, former MLA Bikram Panda declined to do so, citing a finger injury.

Police officials have directed him to appear again for further questioning.

Investigators have already seized the doctor’s mobile phone and collected relevant electronic evidence, including CCTV footage and call detail records from the jail.

Tuesday’s interrogation was video-recorded as part of the ongoing probe.

The murder of Pitabasa Panda, who was shot dead near his residence, had triggered a massive investigation leading to multiple arrests, including that of former MLA Bikram Panda.

Authorities say the latest developments could prove significant in determining whether efforts were made to influence witnesses connected to the high-profile case.

Police officials have stated that the investigation remains active and that all leads related to witness intimidation and the alleged misuse of communication devices inside the prison are being thoroughly examined.