Brahmapur, Oct 24: In a dramatic legal development surrounding the murder case of advocate Pitabash Panda, 44 lawyers have stepped forward to represent the accused former Brahmapur MLA Bikram Panda in court.

The filings were submitted yesterday, signaling a robust legal defense for Panda, who is one of the key accused in the case.

Alongside him, the same group of lawyers will also represent corporator Malay Bishoyi and BJD leader Madan Dalai, both of whom are implicated in the investigation.

Sources indicate that a bail application is expected to be submitted in court today after the SDJM court rejected their bail petition a few days ago.

Meanwhile, the Berhampur jail authorities have sought the Court’s permission to shift another accused, Shiv Shankar Das aka Pintu Das, to another jail for security reasons.

Also read: Berhampur SP Discloses Motive, Role Of Former BJD MLA Bikram Panda & Former Mayor Shiv Shankar Dash

So far, 12 people have been arrested in connection with the case. However, Kurupati, the prime accused who had fired at Panda, and Uma Bishoyi, who reportedly involved in facilitating the shooters, are absconding.

The murder of Pitabas Panda has sparked widespread attention in Brahmapur, with political and legal circles closely watching the unfolding case.