Berhampur, Oct 8: The murder of senior lawyer and BJP leader Pitabash Panda has sent shockwaves across Ganjam district in Odisha, with police investigations intensifying but the motive still shrouded in mystery. More than 36 hours after the fatal shooting, police are yet to identify the killers or the mastermind behind the crime.

Suspected Contract Killing, Police Form Six Teams
According to Berhampur SP Dr. Shrabana Vivek M, preliminary findings suggest the possibility of a contract killing. Two assailants wearing white shirts and helmets arrived on a bike and fired at close range using a country-made pistol. The bullet reportedly pierced Panda’s spinal cord, as confirmed in the medical report.

“We cannot rule out contract killing. All angles are being investigated,” said SP Dr. Shrabana Vivek M.

Police have formed six special teams and are analyzing over 50 CCTV footages from across the city and its outskirts. Phone call records are also being scrutinized to trace any links to the suspects.

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Senior Officials Join Investigation
Southern Range IG Niti Shekhar has joined the probe and confirmed that senior officers have been deployed across all six teams. He stated that CCTV footage from both urban and rural zones is being examined thoroughly.

Earlier in the day, members of the legal fraternity met with the IG and demanded immediate arrest of the culprits. Advocate Pradeep Behera emphasized the need for justice and urged police to act swiftly.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi instructed police to swiftly apprehend the culprits and ensure exemplary punishment under the law.