Berhampur police arrested shooter Kurupatti Bhuyan and Uma Shankar Bisoyi in the Pitabas Panda murder case, marking a major breakthrough in the investigation.
Police sources confirmed that both suspects were interrogated at a secret location. Investigators revealed that Uma Bisoyi and Jogi Rout had recruited Kurupatti Bhuyan and Chintu Pradhan to execute the murder. Chintu traveled from Bengaluru while Kurupatti came from Banthapalli in Ganjam. The duo conducted surveillance on Panda’s office, route, and residence.
On October 6, Jogi Rout provided them with a motorcycle bearing a fake number plate, new clothes, and two pistols. At 10:01 p.m., as Pitabas Panda approached his home, Kurupatti intercepted him and opened fire. Both assailants fled the scene immediately.
The motive behind the murder stemmed from political rivalry. Former Berhampur MLA Bikram Panda and ex-Mayor Pintu Das allegedly viewed Pitabas Panda as a threat to their political ambitions. They conspired with Malaya Bisoyi, Madan Dalei, and Uma Bisoyi to eliminate him.
Earlier on October 22, police arrested 12 individuals, including Bikram Panda and Pintu Das. Authorities later transferred Pintu Das to Phulbani Jail after concerns over his safety in Berhampur Circle Jail surfaced.
The Pitabas Panda murder case has exposed deep political fissures in Ganjam. With the arrest of the shooter and a key conspirator, investigators believe they are closer to unraveling the entire plot.
