Pitabas Panda murder case: Six accused taken on remand, Berhampur Police plans crime scene recreation

In a key development in the murder case of senior advocate and BJP leader Pitabas Panda, Berhampur Police on Wednesday took six accused, including notorious sharpshooter Kurupati Bhuyan and co-conspirator Uma Bisoi, on police remand for further interrogation.

Sources reported that the local court granted police permission to take six prime accused out of the 16 detainees on remand. The development follows the arrest of Bhuyan, who was the last accused absconding.

Key Accused Under Custody

Reports added that police have so far arrested 16 people in connection with the case, including former BJD MLA Bikram Panda, who was taken into custody earlier for his alleged role in financing and facilitating the crime.

The arrest of Kurupati Bhuyan, a known contract killer, is being viewed as a major breakthrough. Sources said Bhuyan was the main hitman hired to execute the murder as part of a well-organised conspiracy that had been in planning for several months.

Another accused, Uma Bisoi, is alleged to have coordinated between the financiers and the shooters. According to the investigators, Bisoi managed the financial transactions, estimated at around Rs 50 lakh, that funded the killing.

Police to Recreate Crime Scene

As part of the remand process, police are likely to take all six accused, including Bhuyan and Bisoi, to the crime scene to reconstruct the sequence of events. The exercise is expected to help police verify the accused’s statements and gather corroborative evidence.

Police sources said the probe team is examining the communication records, bank transactions, and travel details of the suspects to map the entire chain of planning and execution. Sources added that given the alleged involvement of several influential figures, the investigation is being conducted with heightened scrutiny to ensure all leads are verified.

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Investigation Expands

Apart from Bhuyan and Bisoi, other arrested individuals include Sunil Hota and Sudarshan Jena, who reportedly provided shelter and logistical support to the shooters. Police have maintained that more arrests could follow as evidence from digital and forensic analysis continues to emerge.

Berhampur Police said the investigation remains ongoing and that the remand interrogation is expected to reveal further details about the conspiracy and those behind the contract killing.

The case dates back to the night of October 6, when 62-year-old lawyer Pitabas Panda was shot dead at point-blank range outside his residence in Berhampur. Panda, who was also associated with the BJP, succumbed to his injuries.

The murder triggered widespread outrage in Ganjam district and prompted a high-level probe led by senior officers of the Berhampur Police.