In a major development in the Pitabas Panda murder case, the Berhampur Police have taken six main accused, including alleged contract killer Kurupati Bhuyan and suspected co-conspirator Uma Bisoi, on police remand for detailed questioning.
Officials said a local court granted approval to take six of the 16 arrested suspects into police custody for interrogation. The order follows the arrest of Bhuyan, considered the final absconding accused in the high-profile case.
Who Are the Key Accused?
Police have so far detained 16 individuals linked to the murder of senior advocate and BJP leader Pitabas Panda. Among them is former BJD MLA Bikram Panda, accused of allegedly helping fund and coordinate the crime.
According to investigators, Kurupati Bhuyan, a known sharpshooter, is believed to have acted as the main hitman in the murder plot. Sources say the plan was part of a well-organised conspiracy that unfolded over several months.
Uma Bisoi, another suspect, allegedly managed the money trail between the financiers and the shooters. Investigators estimate that ₹50 lakh was paid to execute the crime.
Police to Recreate Crime Scene
As part of the investigation, Berhampur Police plan to take the accused back to the crime scene to reconstruct the events of the night of October 6. The exercise aims to verify the suspects’ statements and gather supporting evidence.
“The crime-scene recreation will help us confirm the roles of each accused and fill crucial gaps in the timeline,”
said a senior investigating officer.
Police teams are also examining phone records, bank transactions, and travel data to piece together the complete chain of planning and execution.
Given the case’s sensitivity and the involvement of several influential individuals, the investigation is being conducted with transparency and heightened scrutiny.
Expanding Investigation
Apart from Bhuyan and Bisoi, other arrested persons include Sunil Hota and Sudarshan Jena, who allegedly provided shelter and logistics support to the shooters.
Investigators say more arrests could follow once digital and forensic reports are analysed. The Orissa High Court has also sought a report from the Berhampur SP over comments made on the sub judice case, further intensifying oversight of the probe.
Background
On the night of October 6, 2025, 62-year-old Pitabas Panda was shot dead at point-blank range outside his home in Berhampur. Panda, a senior advocate and BJP leader, succumbed to his injuries on the spot.
The brutal killing sparked widespread outrage in Ganjam district, prompting a high-level investigation under senior Berhampur Police officials. Authorities confirmed that the remand interrogation is expected to reveal fresh insights into the conspiracy and identify those behind the contract killing.
Conclusion
The Pitabas Panda case remains one of Odisha’s most closely watched investigations, highlighting the growing need for swift justice and transparency in politically sensitive crimes. The outcome of the remand process is expected to play a pivotal role in uncovering the truth and ensuring accountability.
