Brahmapur: Police on Friday questioned a witness for nearly one-and-a-half hours at Gosani Nuagaon police station in connection with alleged threats issued to him in the murder case of lawyer Pitabas Panda. Former BJD MLA Bikram Panda is scheduled to be questioned again at the police station on October 28, sources said.
Bikram Panda had appeared at the police station on September 6 and was questioned for nearly four hours. At the time, speculation had emerged about his possible arrest, similar to that of jail doctor Sushant Panigrahi, who was arrested in connection with the alleged intimidation of the witness.
According to the complaint, Bikram Panda, BJD leader Madan Dalai and Dr Panigrahi had allegedly contacted the witness repeatedly over the phone, threatening him on some occasions and offering inducements on others.
The witness, identified as Mangaraj, lodged an FIR at Gosani Nuagaon police station on October 1, alleging that he was threatened during a phone conversation on August 28.
As per the complaint, Bikram Panda and Madan Dalai had visited Dr Panigrahi’s chamber on August 28. The doctor allegedly contacted the witness over WhatsApp and handed the phone to Bikram, telling the witness that the former MLA wanted to speak to him. Bikram allegedly took the mobile phone to another room to avoid CCTV surveillance and threatened the witness. Madan Dalai also allegedly issued threats.
The witness subsequently submitted an audio recording of the conversation to the police. Acting on the SP’s directions, a senior police officer investigated the complaint, while a police team visited the jail, questioned Dr Panigrahi and seized his mobile phone and CCTV footage.
Police registered a case after collecting technical evidence. Dr Panigrahi was questioned for nearly three hours and allegedly admitted to the allegations, according to the information provided. The state government subsequently suspended him over his alleged role in the intimidation of the witness.
Further questioning of Bikram Panda is expected as the investigation continues.
