Berhampur, Feb 11: In a significant development in the advocate Pitabas Panda murder case, the Ganjam District and Sessions Court has granted bail to one of the accused, Rajendra Sahu. He is the first among the 16 accused in the case to secure bail.

The court approved Sahu’s bail on a bond of ₹50,000 along with one surety and imposed certain conditions. According to case details, Rajendra Sahu had allegedly stolen a motorcycle from Rameswaram Chhak, which was later used in the commission of the murder.

Meanwhile, the court rejected the bail application of another accused, Shunya Chandra Das. The order was passed after hearing the bail pleas of both accused on Wednesday, informed advocate Chakrapani Nahak.

It may be noted that as many as 16 persons, including former MLA Bikram Kumar Panda, have been named as accused in the sensational murder case of advocate Pitabas Panda. The investigation into the case is currently underway.