Bhubaneswar: A fresh wave of arrests has shaken the investigation into the murder of BJP leader and senior advocate Pitabas Panda, who was shot dead near his residence on October 6.
According to reports, police on Tuesday late night took former MLA and district chairman Bikram Panda into custody for questioning, joining a roster of detainees that already includes a corporator, former mayor and several aides.
Police picked up Bikram Panda late at night and are interrogating him, reportedly holding him at an undisclosed location. Police also suspect that long‑standing political rivalry may be behind this murder.
It is learnt that about ten persons in total are now under the scanner, with two suspected shooters reportedly brought in from Bihar and a sharp‑shooter believed to have fired the fatal shot.
Earlier, the weapon used in the killing—a pistol—was recovered from the sands of Puri beach after the assailant fled.
The crackdown has sparked protests outside Bikram Panda’s house, with corporators, lawyers, BJD workers and former MP Chandra Shekhar Sahu rallying in support.
