Berhampur, Nov 15: The Test Identification (TI) parade of all 16 accused in the sensational murder of lawyer Pitabas Panda is expected to be conducted today at the Berhampur Circle Jail. The Berhampur Town SDPO and Investigating Officer, Priyas Ranjan Chhotray, had sought permission from the SDJM Court, which has now granted approval for the procedure.

Among the arrested are alleged sharpshooters Kurupati Bhuya and Chintu Pradhan, Bihar natives Shishupal Paswan and Kundan Kumar, as well as several key associates of the alleged mastermind, including Uma Bishoyi, Yogi Raut, Seemanchal Nayak, and Bipin Swain.

The Baidyanathpur Police Station, which is investigating the case, has so far arrested 16 individuals, including prominent political figures: former Berhampur MLA Bikram Kumar Panda, former Mayor Sibashankar Dash, BJD leader Madan Dalei, and Corporator Malay Bishoyi.

The murder took place on the night of Kumar Purnima, when Pitabas Panda was shot dead at close range in the Baikunthanagar area. According to police, accused Kurupati Bhuya and Chintu Pradhan rode to the location on a motorcycle and fired at Panda from point-blank range. A murder case (No. 518/25) was subsequently registered at Baidyanathpur Police Station.