Pitabas Panda Murder Case: Berhampur Police Take Six Accused on Remand, Recreate Crime Scene
Berhampur, Odisha — In a major breakthrough in the Pitabas Panda murder case, Berhampur Police have taken six key accused into custody for interrogation, including alleged contract killer Kurupati Bhuyan and suspected financier Uma Bisoi.
The arrests follow a local court’s approval for police remand, aimed at uncovering deeper layers of the conspiracy.
Among the 16 individuals arrested so far, former BJD MLA Bikram Panda stands out for his alleged role in funding and coordinating the crime.
Investigators believe the murder was meticulously planned over several months, with Rs 50 lakh reportedly paid to execute the hit.
Police plan to recreate the crime scene to verify suspect statements and reconstruct the timeline of events from the night of October 6, when senior advocate and BJP leader Pitabas Panda was shot dead outside his Berhampur residence.
Authorities are also analysing phone records, bank transactions, and travel data to piece together the full conspiracy.
Other arrested individuals include Sunil Hota and Sudarshan Jena, who allegedly provided shelter and logistics support to the shooters.
The Orissa High Court has sought a report from the Berhampur SP regarding public comments on the sub judice case, adding judicial oversight to the high-profile investigation.
The remand process is expected to yield critical insights into the planning and execution of the murder, which has sparked widespread outrage across Ganjam district and beyond.
