Berhampur, Oct 7: The shocking murder of senior lawyer and BJP leader Pitabas Panda on Kumar Purnima evening — October 6 — has triggered widespread outrage and demands for swift justice.

The incident occurred near Baikunthanagar, a densely populated area between Gate Bazaar and the new bus stand, which was unusually deserted due to the festive holiday.

Panda, riding his black scooter, was just minutes away from reaching home when he was shot at close range near the Zero Point. A single bullet pierced his right chest, causing heavy bleeding. Locals rushed him to MKCG Medical College, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.

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Ganjam SP Suvendu Kumar Patra confirmed that CCTV footage has been recovered and multiple teams are investigating from different angles. “We have some leads and are working across directions,” he said.

Bibhuti Bhushan Jena, Minister of Commerce & Transport, assured that no matter how influential the people behind the crime may be, strict action will be taken. “No one will be spared,” he stated.

The postmortem was conducted late at night in the presence of several dignitaries including Minister Jena, Fisheries & Animal Resources Minister Gokulananda Mallik, State BJP President Manmohan Samal, and local MLAs.

Forensic expert Dr. Sudeepa Das confirmed that the bullet was fired from very close range and caused massive internal bleeding.

The Odisha State Bar Council expressed deep grief and concern demanding immediate legal action. As per reports, Panda’s last message in the council group involved a discussion about removing a lawyer from the council — raising suspicions of a planned conspiracy.

Political leaders and legal professionals alike have called this an irreparable loss to the state. The investigation continues.

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