Berhampur, November 25:The bail applications of former Berhampur MLA Bikram Kumar Panda and BJD leader Madan Dalei, both of whom are under arrest in connection with the high-profile murder of advocate Pitabash Panda, were denied by the Berhampur SDJM Court on Tuesday.
Advocate Deepak Pattnayak, representing Bikram Panda, said that a new bail petition has been filed in the District Judge’s Court to challenge the SDJM Court’s rejection.
The case revolves around the shocking murder of Pitabash Panda, who was shot dead at close range on the night of Kumar Purnima in Baikunthanagar. The assailants, Kurupati Bhuyan and Chintu Pradhan, reportedly arrived on a motorcycle and opened fire from point-blank range. A murder case was subsequently registered at the Baidyanathpur Police Station.
So far, the Baidyanathpur Police have arrested 16 individuals in connection with the murder. Among the arrested are the two shooters, along with two contract killers from Bihar, Shishupal Paswan and Kundan Kumar. The authorities have also apprehended key associates of the alleged conspirators, including Uma Bisoyi, Yogi Raut, Seemanchal Nayak, and Bipin Swain. Former Mayor Shibashankar Das and Corporator Malay Bisoyi are also among those in custody.
In addition, Test Identification (TI) parades for eight of the arrested individuals have been completed at the Brahmapur Circle Jail. Berhampur Town SDPO Priyas Ranjan Chhotray, who sought permission from the SDJM Court, has received approval for the proceedings.
As the investigation continues, all 16 accused remain in jail.
