Pitabas Panda murder: 44 lawyers to defend arrested BJD leader Bikram Panda, his associates in court

In a major development in the senior advocate and BJP leader Pitabas Panda murder case, as many as 44 lawyers will represent former BJD legislator and Ganjam BJD president Bikram Panda in the court. Panda was recently arrested in connection with the brutal murder case.

According to sources, the same team of lawyers will also represent his associates, corporator Malay Bishoyi and Madan Dalai. While Vakalatnamas have been filed, bail applications for the accused are expected to be submitted today, sources added.

Bikram Panda and his associates are lodged in jail after the SDJM court rejected their bail petition a couple of days ago. So the lawyers are expected to file the bail petition again at the District Court, sources informed.

Meanwhile, the Berhampur jail authorities have sought the Court’s permission to shift another accused, Siba Shankar Das aka Pintu Das, to another jail for security reasons. He is likely to be shifted to Kandhamal jail. 

So far, 13 people have been arrested in connection with the high-profile case. However, Kurupati, the prime accused who had fired at Panda, still remains at large. Similarly, Uma Bishoyi, reportedly involved in facilitating the shooters, is also still absconding.

In recent development, Sunil Hota, another close aide of Bikram Panda, was arrested by Berhampur Police after being picked up from Jeypore. Sunil was arrested for allegedly providing shelter to Kurupati at his farmhouse after the crime.

Also Read: BJP leader Pitabas Panda murder: Absconding accused Sudarshan Jena surrenders

Authorities have also apprehended Sudarshan Jena, a business partner of Bikram Panda involved in his mining and transport ventures. Investigations indicate that Sudarshan was aware of Bikram’s business operations and his recruitment of labourers for his enterprises.

Police continue to intensify efforts to locate the remaining absconding accused and bring all those involved in the murder to justice.