BJP leader Pitabas Panda murder: Three accused still at large, political links under scanner

The investigation into the murder of senior advocate and BJP leader Pitabas Panda has intensified, with Berhampur Police continuing its search for three absconding accused even after multiple arrests in the high-profile case.

According to reports, those still on the run have been identified as Kurupati Bhuyan, Uma Bisoyi, and Sudarshan Jena,  all of whom are believed to have played key roles in the conspiracy.

Police Trace New Links, Pick Up Aide from Koraput

As part of the expanding probe, police have detained Sunil Hota, a known associate of the arrested Ganjam BJD president Bikram Panda, from Jeypore in Koraput district.

According to investigators, Hota allegedly provided shelter to sharpshooter Kurupati Bhuyan at his farmhouse soon after the crime. His interrogation is expected to shed more light on the network of operatives involved in the killing.

Sources said police are also probing the possible involvement of certain corporators and political figures who may have had indirect links to the accused. Superintendent of Police Saravana Vivek M confirmed that the absconding accused remains under close surveillance and will be apprehended soon.

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Political and Public Reactions Intensify

Sources informed that the arrest of Bikram Panda, a former MLA and senior BJD functionary, has triggered sharp political reactions in Ganjam district.

The BJD, which has yet to come to terms with his detention, is reportedly planning to stage a protest and gherao of the Berhampur SP office on Thursday, demanding what it calls a ‘fair and transparent probe.’

Meanwhile, the BJP has announced plans to hold a press conference in Berhampur, highlighting what it describes as a politically motivated cover-up attempt in the initial stages of the investigation.

Seventeen-Day Manhunt Leads to Breakthrough

According to SP Saravana Vivek, the police team worked round the clock over 17 days, interrogating nearly 100 individuals and scanning more than 70 CCTV recordings across Berhampur and adjoining areas.

The breakthrough came after coordinated efforts involving cyber analysis, forensic tracing, and local intelligence.