Argus News - Pitabash Panda Murder Case: Former BJD MLA Bikram Panda Arrested, Forwarded to Court

Berhampur, Oct 22: In a major development in the high-profile murder case of BJP leader and advocate Pitabash Panda, the Berhampur police have arrested former BJD MLA and district president Bikram Panda.

Alongside him, former Berhampur Mayor Shiv Shankar Das and BJD Corporator Malaya Bishoyi have also been taken into custody and produced before the court.

Shiv Shankar Das, who was jailed for attacking Berhampur MP candidate Pradeep Panigrahy during the 2024 general elections, has now been arrested by police in connection with the murder of BJP leader Pitabash Panda and produced before the court.


Also read: Pitabash Panda Murder Case: Police Nab One More Sharpshooter From Bengaluru

The arrests come amid growing suspicion of political rivalry being the motive behind the murder. While police have not officially commented on the political angle, sources suggest that the involvement of senior BJD leaders points to deep-rooted enmity.

Late Tuesday night, under the leadership of the Berhampur SP Saravana Vivek M, police detained Bikram Panda from his residence and conducted extensive interrogation.

Also read: Pitabash Panda Murder Case Nears Breakthrough

Earlier, Shiv Shankar Das had also been questioned, with multiple cases already registered against him. Malaya Bishoyi, too, had been picked up by police for questioning prior to this.

The investigation has further revealed connections between Shiv Shankar Das and his close aides Mitu Panda and Vicky, both of whom were also detained for interrogation. The police have forwarded all arrested individuals to court as part of the ongoing legal proceedings.

Pitabash Panda was murdered on the night of October 6, during the Kumar Purnima festival. Around 10 PM, while returning home on his scooter after finishing work at his chamber, he was shot at close range by assailants who arrived on a bike. The incident occurred just 100 metres from his house. The attackers fled the scene after firing near the Gate Bazaar–New Bus Stand area in the Vaikunthnagar locality.

This case has stirred political tension in the region. The arrest of prominent political figures has added a new dimension to the probe, raising questions about the extent of political involvement in the crime.