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Published By : Tuhina Sahoo | October 31, 2025 9:05 AM
11-micro-composting-centres-to-function-by-dec-1st-week-in-bhubaneswar

Berhampur, Oct 30: Pintu Das, the former Mayor of Berhampur Municipal Corporation and a key accused in the high-profile murder case of lawyer Pitabas Panda, has been shifted from Berhampur Circle Jail to Phulbani Jail. This move follows concerns raised in a petition filed in the SDJM Court regarding his safety while being held at Berhampur Circle Jail.

The petition highlighted a potential threat to Das's life, citing his connection to various individuals involved in the case, including Mouz Mishra. Mishra, who is facing charges related to the murder of Shanti Mishra, a close associate of Pintu Das, is currently housed in the same jail. Given the risks involved, authorities decided to transfer Das to Phulbani Jail to ensure his security.

In a related development, Berhampur Superintendent of Police (SP) has written to the Director General of the Odisha Crime Branch, requesting the engagement of two senior legal experts to handle the Pitabas Panda murder case. The SP's letter recommended Kali Charan Mishra, a retired Additional Legal Advisor to the CBI and advocate at the Orissa High Court, as the Special Public Prosecutor. Additionally, Abinash Padhi, an advocate at the Orissa High Court, has been proposed for the role of Additional Special Public Prosecutor.

To date, 13 individuals have been arrested in connection with the murder of Pitabas Panda.

The murder of senior lawyer Pitabas Panda is being linked to a complex web of political rivalry, personal enmity, and a well-orchestrated conspiracy. According to the Berhampur Police, several accused from within and outside Odisha have been implicated in the crime.

On the night of October 6, 2025, Pitabas Panda was shot by two unidentified assailants while returning to his residence at around 10 pm. He was immediately rushed to MKCG Medical College and Hospital but was declared dead by the attending doctors.

Police investigations suggest that the murder was masterminded by Bikram Panda, former MLA and Ganjam district president of the BJD, and Pintu Das. The motive behind the killing is believed to be a combination of political rivalry, personal grievances, and financial disputes.