Pitabas Panda murder case: Crime scene recreated with key accused Kurupati Bhuyan

Berhampur police conducted a crime scene reconstruction on Wednesday in the high-profile murder case of senior lawyer and BJP leader Pitabas Panda. The exercise took place at the crime spot in Baikuntha Nagar locality of the city in Ganjam district.

Also Read: We’re shocked! Family of murdered Pitabas Panda stunned by involvement of close acquaintances

Key accused Kurupati Bhuyan and Uma Bisoyi were brought to the site along with other suspects. A total of six individuals have been taken on remand by the police in connection with the case.

Pitabas Panda was shot dead with a point-blank gunshot on October 6. So far, a total of 16 people, including former MLA and BJD leader Bikram Panda, have been arrested.

Authorities say that several influential individuals are linked to the case, prompting the police to carry out a meticulous investigation. The reconstruction is part of efforts to gather evidence and clarify the sequence of events leading to the killing.

Police officials confirmed that all available evidence is being compiled to build a strong case against the accused.

However, no comments were received from the probe team in this regard.

Worth mentioning, in a deeply emotional response to the breakthrough in the murder case of advocate Panda from Ganjam district, his family had expressed their shock on October 22 over the involvement of four persons they considered close.

Speaking to the media, Pitabas’s younger brother had said, “We are shocked. The four people now named as prime accused — Bikram Panda, Pintu Das, Madan Dalei, and Malay Bisoyi — were all very close to my brother.”

The family never imagined that such a betrayal could happen, especially from those whom Pitabas had introduced and trusted personally.

“It was Pitabas Panda who helped them connect and build relationships. My brother was instrumental in making them popular figures. If people you trust conspire behind your back and kill you, then who will you trust anymore?” the victim’s younger brother had added with visible anguish.

Even more disturbing was the fact that after the murder, these persons had come to offer condolences, pretending to grieve with the family, the bereaved kin had stated.