Berhampur, Oct 25: The proposed transfer of former Berhampur Mayor Shiv Shankar Dash, popularly known as Pintu Dash, from Berhampur Jail to Phulbani Jail has triggered legal opposition from his wife, Ashalata Dash.

Pintu Dash is currently incarcerated in connection with the high-profile murder of lawyer Pitabash Panda. Citing serious concerns over his safety, Ashalata, a practicing lawyer, has filed a petition through her counsel in the local SDJM court.

The jail authorities had earlier sought permission to shift Dash to Phulbani, citing potential threats to his life inside Berhampur Jail. The court approved the request, and the transfer was scheduled for October 27. However, unforeseen circumstances prevented the move on Friday, and the transfer remains pending.

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Ashalata argues that if her husband’s life is at risk in Berhampur, then transferring him to a distant location like Phulbani could pose even greater danger. She also emphasized that multiple legal proceedings against Dash are ongoing in Berhampur courts, and relocating him would complicate his legal representation and case management.

In her petition, Ashalata requested that instead of Phulbani, Dash be transferred to a jail within Ganjam district or nearby Berhampur to ensure both safety and legal convenience. The court has accepted her plea and is currently reviewing alternative jail options.

In another development in the case, CCTV footage has recently surfaced which shows the alleged shooter, Kurupati Bhuyan, and bike driver Chintu Pradhan approaching the crime scene. According to police sources, the shooter wore a white shirt and helmet, fired at Panda, and fled via a different route.

The case continues to unfold, with new evidence and legal developments drawing public attention across Odisha.