The shocking murder of BJP leader and advocate Pitabas Panda in Berhampur appears to have been driven by betrayal from his former friend and BJD leader Bikram Kumar Panda. Alongside Bikram, former Berhampur mayor Siba Shankar Das, known as Pintu, corporator Madan Dalei, and Malaya Bisoyi, all of whom were close to Pitabas, are implicated in the case. Purnachandra Panda, Pitabas’s younger brother, expressed surprise at the involvement of these friends, stating, “Our family was astonished when Berhampur SP Saravana Vivek M disclosed their names as suspects. Initially, it seemed unbelievable, but after the police conducted a thorough investigation, we accepted it.
We appreciate the police’s ongoing efforts, as they will only arrest suspects with sufficient evidence.” The SP identified Bikram, Pintu, Madan, and Malaya as the accused, leading the family to accept the situation. The friendship between Pitabas and Bikram spanned approximately 37 years, during which Pitabas played a crucial role in shaping Bikram’s political career, advising him on speeches and political conduct. Purnachandra remarked that individuals unwilling to face criticism or defeat should avoid politics and condemned the idea of eliminating political adversaries. Following the tragic incident, BJD leaders, including Bikram and former Union minister Chandra Sekhar Sahu, visited Pitabas’s family to offer condolences.
Bikram’s visit was initially seen as a sign of respect, but the police investigation has dramatically shifted his status from mourner to suspect. Purnachandra stated that Bikram’s betrayal was evident and called for the perpetrators to face justice, urging the police to compile a strong chargesheet. Investigators have gathered evidence and testimonies suggesting Bikram Panda and others were involved in the conspiracy that led to Pitabas’s murder, stirring significant emotions within Ganjam’s political scene. In related developments, Sudarshan Jena, another suspect and close associate of Bikram, surrendered to police, while Kurupatti Bhuyan and Uma Bisoyi remain at large. Sunil Hota, who sheltered them despite knowing their involvement, was arrested by police.
The BJP’s Ganjam unit has criticized the BJD for implicating minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena in the matter.