Pitabas Panda murder: Key accused Pintu Das to be shifted to Phulbani Jail over security concerns

In a major development in the murder case of Berhampur lawyer and senior BJP leader Pitabas Panda, accused former Berhampur Mayor Shibashankar Das alias Pintu is set to be shifted from Brahmapur Jail to Phulbani Jail.

The SDJM Court has granted permission for his transfer following a request made by the jail authorities citing security reasons, confirmed the government lawyer.

After his arrest in connection with the high-profile murder case, Pintu Das has been lodged in the Brahmapur Circle Jail. However, officials reported that several rival criminals are also housed in the same facility, raising concerns over his safety.

Also Read: Pitabas Panda murder case: Police arrest another accused for sheltering sharpshooter

Notably, slain lawyer Pitabas Panda had been handling the 2013 murder case of Shanti Mishra, a close aide of Pintu Das. Police had arrested 13 accused in that case and sent them to Brahmapur Jail. While six have been released on bail, seven accused continue to be lodged there. Among them is Satish Mishra alias Mauj, a dreaded criminal who had earlier fired bullets at Pintu Das.

Given the potential threat to his life, the jail authorities sought court permission to relocate Pintu Das. Acting on the request, the SDJM Court approved the transfer, and he will soon be moved to Phulbani Jail under tight security arrangements.

Meanwhile, the Baidyanathpur police arrested Sunyachandra Das on charges of giving shelter to the shooter and another accused person at his residence. With this arrest, the total number of people held in connection with the case has now risen to 14.