Pitabas Panda murder case: Another ‘mastermind’ Uma Bisoi arrested

In a major breakthrough in the high-profile murder of senior advocate and BJP leader Pitabas Panda, Berhampur police have arrested one of the key accused, Uma Bisoi, believed to be the mastermind behind the brutal killing.

Sources confirmed that the conspirator was nabbed on Monday. Further, police have stated that Uma Bisoi not only planned the assassination but also arranged contact with professional sharpshooters who executed the crime.

Master Plotter Behind The Killing

Investigations revealed that Uma Bisoi was the central figure in orchestrating the murder. Acting on the instructions of influential associates, Bisoi reportedly coordinated with hired shooters and managed the financial transactions linked to the Rs 50-lakh deal behind the killing.

According to police, Bisoi was in touch with two contract killers, identified as Kurupatti Bhuyan and Chintu Pradhan, who allegedly gunned down Panda near his residence in Berhampur on the night of October 6.

Police suspect that Bisoi’s arrest could provide crucial leads to track down Kurupatti, who is still absconding.

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Series Of Arrests In The Case

Earlier last month, the Crime Branch had arrested former BJD MLA from Berhampur, Bikram Panda, and 11 others for their alleged roles in the killing. Later, another accused, Sunil Hota, was taken into custody for sheltering the shooters at his farmhouse in Jeypore, Koraput district. 

Following that, Sudarshan Jena, a close aide of the former legislator, surrendered and was interrogated for his involvement in the plot.

Police said that Berhampur Municipal Corporation corporator Malaya Bisoi, believed to be linked to the former MLA, had sought Uma’s help in hiring the contract killers. After the murder, Uma and the shooters reportedly stayed for four days at Hota’s farmhouse before fleeing Odisha as the manhunt intensified.

With Uma Bisoi’s arrest, investigators believe they are close to closing the case. Efforts are now underway to locate Kurupatti Bhuyan, whose capture is expected to seal the probe.