BJP leader shot dead, situation tense in Berhampur

Tension engulfed parts of Berhampur after BJP leader and senior advocate Pitabas Panda was shot dead by unidentified miscreants on Monday evening.

According to reports, the incident took place outside his residence in Brahmanagar, where two assailants opened fire at him and fled the spot. Locals immediately rushed the critically injured Panda to Berhampur-based MKCG Medical College and Hospital, where doctors declared him dead upon arrival.

Panda was a prominent lawyer in Berhampur and a member of the Odisha State Bar Council. His untimely death has triggered widespread outrage and grief among the legal fraternity and political circles.

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Police have launched an investigation into the shooting and are examining CCTV footage from the area to identify the attackers. A special team has also been formed to trace and nab the culprits behind the brutal crime.

Similar Incident:

In another incident, a minor altercation escalated into a fatal incident last night, leading to the death of a local businessman in Buduli village under Bhanjanagar police limits in Ganjam district, sources said on Monday. The deceased was identified as Panchanan Behera, aka Panchu.

According to sources, on Sunday night, a group of youths got into an argument in front of Panchu’s shop. When his two sons asked the youths to leave the premises, the group allegedly attacked them. Panchu intervened, but only to be physically assaulted.

Police reportedly arrived at the scene and temporarily calmed the situation. However, later that night, Panchu began bleeding from his nose and ears and was rushed to the Bhanjanagar health centre. Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries during treatment.