BJP leader Pitabas Panda murder case: Police yet to identify shooter despite over 70 interrogations

More than 70 individuals have been interrogated in connection with the murder of well-known lawyer and BJP leader Pitabas Panda in Berhampur, but the police have yet to identify the shooter or uncover the motive behind the killing.

Even seven days after Panda was shot at point-blank range, the police have not been able to make any breakthrough in the case. Despite round-the-clock investigations, no arrests have been made so far.

Sources indicate that during the inquiry, a Corporator and a jawan were questioned on suspicion but later released. The investigation has traced several long-time criminals from Khallikote, Kabisuryanagar, and Aska areas. Some habitual offenders are being scanned to find potential links to the murder.

CCTV footage from the day of the incident is also being examined, with special attention on a luxury car that was repeatedly circling Panda’s route that day. However, the police have not been able to determine the owner of the vehicle or its connection to the crime.

Local BJP leader Kahnu Charan Pati has expressed concern, suspecting that the killer may have been tailing Panda from September 26 to October 6. Reports also indicate that the gun used in the attack may have been sourced from Andhra Pradesh.

"Keep patience. The culprit will definitely be punished. Those who have hatched conspiracy and spent huge amount of money to make his (Panda's) son orphan and his wife widow, they will definitely be punished for it. Keep patience, the murder mystery will be cracked very soon," said local BJP leader Kahnu Charan Pati.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities attempt to piece together the sequence of events leading to this high-profile assassination. 

Seven days after the tragic death of Panda, a condolence meeting was held in Berhampur on Sunday, attended by several BJP leaders, party workers, and members of the legal community. Among those present were the MLA from Chhatrapur, Kabisuryanagar and Chikiti and the district BJP president, who paid tribute to the late leader.

During the gathering, they urged the police to swiftly apprehend the perpetrator and bring the details of the incident to light. Speculations are growing that a major political conspiracy could be behind this murder.

Also Read: Advocate Pitabas Panda murder case: Corporator among three being quizzed by cops, sources

"A high profile incident has occurred. With proper investigation and strong evidence, the culprits should be arrested first," said Digapahandi MLA Sidhant Mohapatra.

"Police have come very much closer in finding the culprits. The mystery will be cracked very soon and the culprits will be arrested," said senior lawyer Sisir Padhy.

Berhampur police are conducting intensive investigations, focusing on three main leads- call details from old criminals retrieved through mobile scanner data, the autopsy report, and CCTV footage. Now, it remains to be seen when the perpetrator will be arrested.