Pitabas Panda murder case: Dedicated team probing from every possible angle, says Berhampur SP

Two days after senior advocate and BJP leader Pitabas Panda was shot dead outside his residence in Brahmanagar, Berhampur police have intensified their investigation, forming a dedicated team led by senior officers, including two DSPs.

The information was shared by Berhampur SP Saravana Vivek during an interaction with OTV. He added that every possible angle, from professional rivalry to political links, is being thoroughly examined.

Berhampur SP said that the assailants, who arrived on a motorcycle, were wearing helmets and one of them had a white shirt on.

“A DSP-rank officer is in charge of the investigation. To get to the core of the matter, we have formed a team comprising all senior members, including DSPs, Inspectors, and Sub-Inspectors,” the SP stated.

The special team includes SDPO Sadar DSP Subhranshu Parida, SDPO Chikiti Biswamitra Haripal, Inspector Sujeetra Parida, Inspector Baba Shankar Saraf, DSP Bibekananda Swain, Sub-Inspector Jyoti, and Sub-Inspector Bibhuti, stated the SP.

According to police, the team will oversee the scientific and technical aspects of the investigation and ensure that all leads, whether political, professional, or personal, are thoroughly scrutinised.

CCTV, Ballistic, and Call Record Analysis

SP Vivek confirmed that more than 50 CCTV footages from across Berhampur have already been examined to track the movements of the shooters.

“A ballistic expert was called to the scene. He investigated the crime spot as well as the 9mm bullet recovered from the body,” he said.

He also noted that preliminary observations indicate that a country-made firearm might have been used, but the exact nature of the weapon will be confirmed after the ballistic report is received.

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Doctors at MKCG Medical College and Hospital confirmed in the post-mortem report that Panda died from injuries caused by bullets fired at close range.

“We have analysed multiple CCTV footages and will share the findings once a concrete analysis is completed,” the Berhampur SP said, adding that the police are also examining call records to identify possible links and communications before the attack.