Berhampur, June 26: Police on Thursday submitted the final chargesheet in the sensational murder case of senior advocate and BJP leader Pitabasa Panda before a court in Berhampur, formally concluding months of investigation into the high-profile killing.
The final chargesheet comprises 396 pages and is accompanied by 16 pen drives containing digital evidence collected during the investigation. It was filed through the government pleader before the trial court.
Pitabasa Panda was shot dead by unidentified assailants near his residence at Baikunthanagar in Berhampur on the night of October 6, 2025, sending shockwaves across Odisha's political and legal circles.
During the investigation, multiple police teams carried out an extensive probe, examining witnesses, analysing digital records and collecting forensic evidence. A total of 16 persons were arrested for their alleged involvement in the conspiracy behind the murder.
Among those arrested are BJD Ganjam district president and former MLA Bikram Panda, former Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BeMC) Mayor Siba Sankar Das, a sitting BeMC corporator, along with several advocates and other individuals accused of playing roles in the alleged conspiracy.
Earlier, on January 4, Berhampur police had filed a preliminary chargesheet running into nearly 30,000 pages. The final report submitted on Thursday completes the investigation and places before the court the evidence gathered over the past several months.
According to sources, the final chargesheet includes witness statements, call detail records (CDRs), forensic examination reports and other documentary and digital evidence that investigators believe establish the conspiracy and execution of the crime.
The government pleader informed the court that the matter has been posted for its next hearing on July 4, when further legal proceedings are expected to take place.
