Son of slain Odisha BJP leader Pitabas Panda seeks death penalty for killers

The son of slain advocate and BJP leader Pitabas Panda, who was shot dead outside his residence in Berhampur earlier this week, has appealed to the Odisha government to ensure that his father’s killers receive the death penalty.

Speaking to the media for the first time since the murder, Saurav Panda, during an interaction with OTV, said his father was known for fighting cases of the poor without charging money and had no personal enmities.

“My father was a good man who always fought tirelessly for justice and for the poor and needy,” Saurav said, adding that he wanted the government and police to “track the culprits and hand them a death sentence.”

He stated that his father, a senior lawyer and local BJP leader, often took up legal cases for underprivileged people free of cost, a practice that had earned him wide respect in the community. “He used to take up cases for the poor without charging any fee. We never imagined that someone would kill such a man,” Saurav said.

According to him, Pitabas never mixed professional matters with family life. “He never discussed outside affairs with us and always came home with a free and happy mind,” he recalled. “Since he was an honest and hard-working man, he never had any enemies,” he said.

Family Left In Lurch, Police Record Statement

Recounting the day of the incident, Saurav said his father was returning home after buying snacks for the family. “The food he brought that day is still lying untouched,” he said. “He was the sole breadwinner of our family. We do not know how to survive without him.”

Saurav also confirmed that he had already recorded his statement before the police. “The DSP and other police officials met us that night and asked me for details and clues. I have told them everything I know,” he said, adding, “Now I want them to find those who shot my father and give them the harshest punishment.”

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Police Treat Murder As Planned Attack

Meanwhile, the Berhampur Police have stepped up the investigation but are yet to make any arrests even after three days of the killing.

Berhampur SP Saravana Vivek M said at least 30 suspects have been interrogated, and footage from more than 75 CCTV cameras is being analysed. “Six special teams led by senior officers are working on various leads, including suspect identification and tracking the shooters’ escape route,” he said.

Panda was shot dead near his house in Baikuntha Nagar under Baidyanathpur police limits by two unidentified assailants who fled on a motorcycle. Investigators believe the murder was pre-planned and possibly executed by contract killers.