Argus News - Court Grants Bail to Accused in Pitabas Panda Murder Case as Motorcycle Link Surfaces

Berhampur, Feb 11: In a key development in the murder case of senior advocate Pitabas Panda, the Ganjam District and Sessions Judge granted bail to one of the accused, Rajendra Sahu.

As per the court’s order, Rajendra will be released on bail upon furnishing a bond of Rs 50,000 with one surety. The court also imposed several conditions while granting him bail. In this case, as many as 16 accused persons have been named, including former Berhampur MLA Bikram Kumar Panda. Rajendra Sahu is the first among the accused to secure bail.

Meanwhile, the bail plea of another accused, Shunya Chandra Das, was rejected by the court. Advocate Chakrapani Nahak informed that the hearing on both bail petitions was held on February 10, following which the court passed the order.

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Our source from the ground informed that the investigation had revealed Rajendra’s alleged role in disposing of a motorcycle linked to the crime.

Motorcycle Linked to Crime Sold
During the probe, police found that the motorcycle allegedly used in the murder had earlier been kept at a tea stall near Chandpur Chhak by Chintu Pradhan and Kurupati Bhuyan before they left for Bhubaneswar. It was later allegedly stolen and sold by Rajendra Sahu. After this came to light during the investigation, the police arrested him in connection with the case.

Bikram Panda Hospitalised
Meanwhile, the prime accused in the case and BJD leader Bikram Kumar Panda, who was arrested in the case on November 6, 2025, was admitted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital on Tuesday after complaining of abdominal pain.

Officials said preliminary medical examination revealed that he is suffering from blood pressure issues, diabetes, gallstones and a fistula. He is currently undergoing treatment.

Police had arrested 16 persons, including some BJD leaders, in connection with the murder.

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How Pitabas Panda Was Shot Dead
Senior advocate and BJP leader Pitabas Panda was shot dead at point-blank range in public view in Berhampur on October 6, 2025.

According to the source, Panda had left his chamber at Park Street at around 9:40pm and was heading home on his scooter. He was about 50 metres away from his residence at Brahma Nagar under Baidyanathpur police limits when two bike-borne miscreants allegedly fired two rounds at him from close range, targeting his chest.

Panda sustained fatal gunshot injuries and fell from his scooter. He reportedly attempted to run a few metres but collapsed. As the area was crowded due to Kumar Purnima celebrations, locals immediately rushed him to MKCG Medical College and Hospital on a motorcycle. However, doctors declared him dead on arrival.