Berhampur, Jan 19: All 16 accused in the murder of lawyer Pitabas Panda are set to be produced in court today.
The police had earlier arrested former MLA Bikram Panda, corporator Malay Bisoyi, lawyer Madan Dalai, former mayor Pintu Das, Sunil Kumar Hota, Bipin Swain, Seemanchal Nayak, Kundan Kumar, Shishupal Kumar Paswan, Kurupati Bhuyan, Chintu Pradhan, and others in connection with the case.
Pitabas Panda was shot dead near his residence in Baikunthanagar on the night of October 6, 2025. Following the arrests, 15 of the accused are currently lodged as undertrial prisoners at Berhampur Central Jail, while Pintu Das remains in Phulbani Jail.
The investigation into the murder is ongoing. After the committal proceedings in court today, the police are expected to file the final chargesheet. Charges will then be formally framed against the accused, after which the trial will commence.
