Former Berhampur MLA Bikram Panda shifted back to jail in Pitabas Panda murder case

In connection with the murder of BJP leader and senior advocate Pitabas Panda, arrested former BJD MLA Bikram Panda was shifted back to Berhampur jail in Ganjam district on Monday. He was transferred from the MKCG Medical College and Hospital (MKCGMCH) in the city under tight security after being discharged from the government health facility.

Also Read: Pitabas Panda murder case: Court to decide former MLA Bikram Panda’s bail plea

Bikram Panda had been undergoing treatment at the hospital for the past five days due to gall bladder stones, piles, and dental pain. A special seven-member medical team had been attending to him for the last two days.

Following his discharge, Panda was moved back to Berhampur jail. However, his lawyer Deepak Pattnaik has alleged that Panda was released in haste despite not being fully fit. According to the defence counsel, a gall bladder surgery had already been planned, but the discharge was carried out under pressure from the authorities.

The lawyer claimed that Panda’s rights have been violated and indicated plans to seek legal recourse. Meanwhile, no official response has been issued by the MKCG Hospital authorities regarding the allegations.

“Listen, Bikram Panda (accused) was kept in the hospital for 5-6 days, and all kinds of tests were conducted on him. A seven-member team of doctors was appointed for his gallbladder stone surgery. If he was supposed to undergo surgery after his tests and examinations, then why did the doctors (at MKCGMCH) suddenly discharge him in such a hurry today?” Deepak Pattnaik questioned while speaking to mediapersons.

“Only the doctors can say under whose pressure he was discharged. Although he is an accused in the Berhampur jail, he is being discharged hastily before a date for his surgery could even be fixed. His health condition is not good. The doctors have written that his surgery is absolutely necessary,” the defence lawyer added.