Pitabas Panda murder probe intensifies; CCTV captures suspicious SUV, hunt on for killers

The investigation into the murder of senior advocate and BJP leader Pitabas Panda has entered a crucial phase, with the Berhampur police claiming to have obtained concrete leads from CCTV footage and ongoing interrogations.

In an interaction with the media on Friday, police officials said the identity of the key assailant is likely to be established soon, as cross-verification of witness statements continues.

CCTV Footage Reveals Movements Before Attack

According to police sources, the special investigation team has analysed over 60 CCTV recordings from the area, successfully tracking the movement of suspects linked to the killing on October 6.

A suspicious luxury car seen travelling along Panda’s regular route on the night of the incident has drawn particular attention. Investigators believe it may have been used by the assailants before and after the attack.

Meanwhile, Berhampur SP Saravana Vivek M confirmed that the police have questioned more than 50 individuals, including eyewitnesses, professional associates, and residents of the neighbourhood.

“We are conducting cross-verification of all recorded statements. Some movements captured in CCTV footage have been matched with testimonies, and this is helping us narrow down the suspects,” the SP informed.

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Five To Six Under Suspicion; New Detentions Reported

The SP added that five to six people remain under close suspicion and are being intensively interrogated. Among them are three persons detained this week, including a CISF jawan, whose role in the crime is still being verified.

Police have not ruled out the possibility of the killers having links outside Odisha, as the pattern of execution suggests a planned hit.

Post-Mortem Report Confirms Close-Range Firing

The post-mortem report, which arrived late Thursday, confirmed that Panda died from massive blood loss following a gunshot injury fired from close range. The bullet has been sent for forensic and ballistic analysis to determine the weapon type and possibly trace its source.