BJP leader Pitabas Panda murder probe in final stages, full disclosure in next two days: Odisha Police

The investigation into the high-profile murder case of senior advocate and BJP leader Pitabas Panda has reached its final stages, and soon everything will be disclosed, informed a top police official.

South Range IG Niti Shekhar on Tuesday said that the complete findings will be revealed in a press briefing, which will be held within one or two days.
 
“The investigation into the Pitabas Panda murder case has proceeded very far. All details and results will be disclosed in the coming one to two days. We are now at the last link of the probe. Everything will be disclosed very soon,” informed the IG.

Probe Nears Conclusion

According to sources, police have pieced together key evidence in the case and are finalising interrogation reports before making formal arrests. Reports added that the case file is in its concluding stage, with multiple agencies coordinating across several states to verify leads.

The IG’s remarks come amid growing speculation over the identities and motives of those involved in the brutal killing of Panda, who was shot dead near his Kamapalli residence in Berhampur on October 6. 

Panda, a senior lawyer and BJP leader, succumbed to injuries shortly after being rushed to the hospital.

Political Links Under Lens

On Monday, the Berhampur Police picked up a local politician for questioning in connection with the murder. The individual reportedly has several prior cases registered against him. However, officials have not confirmed any direct link between the person and the killing.

Earlier, police had interrogated a corporator and a student leader, bringing the total number of people under scrutiny to eight. Many of these individuals are believed to have criminal backgrounds or known affiliations with local political networks.

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Multi-State Network and Financial Trail

The murder probe has expanded beyond Odisha, covering Bihar, West Bengal, Delhi, and Andhra Pradesh, where investigators suspect the involvement of professional shooters and facilitators.

Two suspects from Bihar, one believed to be the sharpshooter and the other a reconnaissance operative, were recently brought to Berhampur for questioning.

Police are also examining UPI transactions that may have been used to coordinate or fund the operation. One such transaction reportedly originated from a Berhampur address and was traced to recipients outside Odisha, suggesting a wider conspiracy involving multiple states.