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File photo of a gun seized from an accused after he surrendered Photograph: (OTV (File))
In connection with the murder of senior BJP leader and lawyer Pitabas Panda, who belonged to Berhampur City of Ganjam district, two firearms seized from the accused have been sent to the State Forensic Science Laboratory (SFSL) in Bhubaneswar for ballistic testing, official sources said on Wednesday.
Also Read: We’re shocked! Family of murdered Pitabas Panda stunned by involvement of close acquaintances
According to the police sources, the ballistic test is crucial to determine the type of bullets used and the method of killing. Pitabas Panda was shot dead on October 6, and the investigation is ongoing. So far, as many as 16 suspects have been arrested in connection with the case and are currently in Berhampur Jail. Police have said they are continuing to probe all aspects of the murder.
Once the ballistic analysis is complete, it will clarify which bullets were used in the killing and provide further evidence for prosecution.
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.