In a major breakthrough in the murder of senior advocate and BJP leader Pitabas Panda, the Berhampur Police have arrested two suspects from Bihar, including a sharpshooter believed to have carried out the killing.
The arrests come nearly ten days after the high-profile crime that shocked southern Odisha earlier this month.
Suspects Brought to Berhampur for Interrogation
According to police sources, a special investigation team tracked the accused to Bihar after days of coordinated interstate surveillance. One of the suspects is alleged to have fired the fatal shot, while the second reportedly surveyed the area ahead of the attack.
Both individuals were brought to Berhampur for questioning late Wednesday night.
The operation was part of a multi-state probe involving teams deployed across Bihar, Delhi, and Kolkata. Odisha Police have been gathering intelligence on a suspected network that planned and executed the assassination.
Officials said the arrests represent a major advance in the investigation, which had seen limited progress for more than a week.
Police Zeroing In on the Mastermind
Berhampur Police are also questioning a local businessman and a close associate of Panda, both of whom were reportedly in regular contact with the slain leader.
This marks the fifth round of interrogation for both individuals, who may help identify the mastermind behind the murder.
A senior police officer said, “We are following strong leads and closing in on those who coordinated the crime.”
Senior Advocate Shot Dead Near Home
On the night of October 6, Pitabas Panda was shot at point-blank range near his residence in Berhampur’s Kamapalli area. The attackers fled immediately after the assault.
Panda was rushed to a nearby hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
The targeted nature of the attack led investigators to suspect a contract killing involving professional shooters from outside Odisha.
Public Outrage and Political Reaction
The murder triggered widespread outrage and condemnation across Odisha’s political and legal communities.
Panda, a respected advocate and prominent BJP leader, had practiced law for decades and played a key role in the party’s organisational work in southern Odisha.
Family members said he had no known personal enmity, making the motive behind the murder even more puzzling.
Call for Swift Justice
Earlier, the family of Pitabas Panda had urged the Odisha government to ensure strict and exemplary action against the “real mastermind” behind the killing.
Police have assured that the investigation will continue “with full transparency and urgency” to bring all perpetrators to justice.
