Former Mayor and prime accused in the Pitabas Panda murder case, Pintu Das, was transferred from Odisha's Berhampur Circle Jail to Phulbani Jail on Friday around 8:15 a.m. The transfer took place under tight security arrangements following concerns raised over his safety. 

The decision to move Pintu Das was reportedly influenced by security concerns and the petition submitted before the court. Jail authorities confirmed that the transfer process was conducted smoothly with all necessary precautions in place. The measure aims to prevent further incidents inside the facility and to ensure the safety of the accused while the investigation continues.

Senior Lawyers Recommended for the Case

Meanwhile, in the high-profile Pitabas Panda murder case, an independent government lawyer will represent the prosecution. The Berhampur Superintendent of Police has written to the CID-CB Director General recommending the engagement of two senior government lawyers from the Orissa High Court. 

As per the communication, senior advocates Kalicharan Mishra and Abinash Padhi have been proposed to manage the proceedings.

Kalicharan Mishra, a former Additional Legal Advisor to the CBI, had earlier handled the well-known Anjana Mishra case. Advocate Abinash Padhi also has extensive experience in dealing with several criminal cases. Citing their experience, the Berhampur SP recommended that both be appointed to lead the case’s legal proceedings, as sources said.

High-Profile Nature of the Case

In connection with the Pitabas Panda murder case, police have arrested 13 individuals, including former Berhampur MLA Bikram Panda and former Mayor Shibashankar Das. Reports indicate that over 50 lawyers had filed vakalatnamas on behalf of Bikram Panda. 

Also Read: Pitabas Panda murder: Prime accused Kurupati & Uma Bisoyi yet to be arrested

Considering the sensitive and high-profile nature of the case, police are taking extra measures to avoid any lapses during the investigation or court process, reportedly. To ensure the prosecution’s strength, senior lawyers have been officially recommended for engagement in the case.