Berhampur, Oct 22: Berhampur Superintendent of Police (SP) Dr. Saravana Vivek M on Wednesday revealed the key details and conspirators behind the murder of BJP leader and advocate Pitabash Panda.

The senior official said a total of 12 persons have been arrested including former mayor Shiv Shankar Dash alias Pintu Das, former BJD MLA Bikram Panda, Madan Dalai and Malaya Bishoyi. However, two accused-Uma Bishoyi and Kurupati Bhuyan are still absconding and further man hunt have been launched to nab them.

Based on the complaint registered, a probe was launched and during course of the investigation, it was revealed that the murder of Pitabash was initially planned to be carried on September 14 by the sharpshooters from Bihar-Sishupal Paswan and Kumdan Kumar- by Uma Bishoyi and Yoginder Rout in collaboration with Madan Dalai, and Malaya Bishoyi on direction of Shiv Shankar Dash alias Pintu Das.

Malaya Bishoyi played a key role in facilitating the crime by arranging accommodation for the two sharpshooters, along with two local accomplices. To avoid suspicion, the house owner was informed that the duo had come to Berhampur for medical treatment at MKCG Medical College and Hospital.

When the owner grew suspicious and inquired further, the accused named a private hospital as their treatment center. Trusting Pintu Das’s recommendation, the owner refrained from probing deeper.

During their stay, the sharpshooters meticulously surveyed the area around Panda’s chamber and residence, carefully planning their escape route post-execution.

However, the plan was aborted due to medical emergency of one of the sharpshooters. Following which, they both returned back to Bihar.

Later, Uma Bishoyi struck another deal with one Kurupati Bhuyan and Chintu Pradhan to eliminate Pitabash. Chintu, who was working in Bengaluru, and Kurupati were reportedly called and brought to Berhampur for the job with a deal of Rs 8 lakh — Rs 5 lakh for shooter and Rs 3lakh for the bike driver.

Also read: Pitabash Panda Murder Case: Former BJD MLA Bikram Panda Arrested, Forwarded to Court

As per the premeditated plan, Kurupati Bhuyan and Chintu Pradhan arrived at the designated location where they were provided with new shirts, pants, shoes, and a motorcycle to carry out the operation. The provision of fresh clothing and a vehicle was part of a calculated effort to avoid detection and facilitate a swift escape following the crime.

How the murder was carried:

Accused Chintu and Kurupati reportedly waited near the intersection close to Pitabash Panda’s residence with their vehicle. As Panda approached, Kurupati greeted him with 'Namaskar'.  After confirming the identity of their target, the duo executed the murder with precision. Following the shooting, Chintu and Kurupati both fled the scene.

The attackers then fled toward the Baikunthanagar area via Gate Bazaar and the new bus stand. After escaping, they changed their clothes and concealed the weapon before continuing their getaway. Near Rameshwar, they abandoned the bike near a tea stall and used alternate transport to flee to Puri. 

Prior to the murder, all involved had reportedly stopped using mobile phones to avoid surveillance.

While Chintu later escaped to Bengaluru from Puri, Kurupati headed to Jeypore, where he was allegedly sheltered by an associate of Bikram Panda. Despite knowing about the murder, the associate continued to provide refuge to Kurupati.

Investigations have revealed that the murder was a contract killing, with a Rs 50 lakh deal struck for the crime.

The senior police official further stated that an advance of Rs 10 lakh was reportedly paid. The financial transaction was promised from both Bikram Panda and Shiv Shankar Dash to carry out the murder.

Also read: Pitabash Panda Murder Case: Police Nab One More Sharpshooter From Bengaluru

The enmity fumed by the recent conducted Bar Council election. The murder was not random but a result of both personal and professional, said the senior official.

Berhampur SP revealed another twist, stating that the motorcycle used in the crime had been stolen from a tea stall prior to the incident. The man who stole the bike later sold it to a scrap dealer-Rajendra Kumar Sahoo, both of whom have now been arrested by the police.

Shiv Shankar Dash, has 38 criminal cases pending against him and has previously served jail time. During the 2024 general elections, he was jailed for allegedly attacking Berhampur MP candidate Pradeep Panigrahi. 

The investigation continues to widen, with digital evidence, call records, and financial transactions forming the core of the case.