Balangir, Nov 15: In a significant development in the murder case of advocate Pitabash Panda, police have filed an application seeking a Test Identification (TI) parade for eight of the accused. The court is expected to hear the petition today.

According to sources, a total of 16 individuals have been arrested in connection with the case so far. Among them are key suspects including alleged shooter Kurupati Bhuyan, Madan Dalai, Malay Bishoyi, Uma Bishoyi, Yogi Raut, Bihar-based shooter Shishupal Kumar Pasman, and Kundan Kumar — all of whom are named in the TI parade request.

A TI parade is a crucial step in the investigative process, allowing eyewitnesses to identify the accused in the presence of a magistrate.

Also read: Pitabash Panda Murder Case: Court to Rule on Bikram Panda’s Bail Today

The suspects are placed among others to ensure a fair and unbiased identification.

The court had earlier accepted the police’s application and is expected to conduct the hearing today. The outcome of the hearing will determine the next steps in the identification and prosecution process.

The murder of Pitabash Panda had sparked widespread outrage, and authorities continue to investigate the case with urgency.