​​​​​​​Berhampur, Oct 22: Berhampur police uncovered the mystery behind the high-profile murder case of lawyer and BJP leader Pitabas Panda, nearly 16 days after the incident.

Police have arrested 12 individuals, including BJD district president and former MLA Bikram Kumar Panda, former mayor Shiv Shankar Dash, corporator Malay Bishoyi, BJD leader Madan Dalai, and several others involved in the conspiracy. The accused also include Simanchal Nayak, Bipin Swain, Jogendra Raut, Kalu Charan Bhuyan, Rajendra Sahu, key associate of the sharp-shooter Chintu Pradhan, and accomplices Shishupal Kumar Pashwan and Kundan Pashwan, who came from Bihar.

They were produced before the court today.

Police had picked up Bikram Panda from his residence in Gajapati Nagar late last night and produced him before the court this morning amid heavy security with three platoons deployed.

Addressing the media at a press conference, Berhampur SP Saravana Vivek M stated that businessman and Bikram’s business partner Sudarshan Jena, sharp shooter Tirupati Bhuyan, and Uma Bishoyi—who coordinated the accused—are still absconding.

Police have seized a Mouzer, a country-made gun used in the murder, three bullets, six mobile phones, along with other incriminating materials.

The police revealed that the murder was driven by a combination of political and personal rivalries, involving several suspects, some closely connected to former politicians. Bikram Kumar Panda and Shiv Shankar Dash have been identified as the masterminds of the conspiracy, while Malay Bishoyi and Madan Dalai coordinated with the criminals and orchestrated the killing.

While Chintu Pradhan was riding the bike, Tirupati Bhuya fired the shot. A deal was finalized through Uma Bishoyi to pay Rs 8 lakh each to Chintu and Tirupati, while Malay Bishoyi handed over Rs 10 lakh to Uma. The total amount agreed upon for executing the murder was Rs 50 lakh, which was financed by Shiv Shankar Dash, Sudarshan Jena, and Bikram Kumar Panda, said Berhampur SP.

The motive behind the killing involves business rivalry, political enmity, and old grudges. The accused collectively planned Pitabas Panda’s murder and successfully executed it on the night of Kumar Purnima.

We have gathered substantial evidence and information against the accused, which will be submitted to the court for further legal proceedings, the SP confirmed.

The investigation continues as some accused remain at large.