Berhampur: In a significant development in the Pitabas Panda murder case, former Berhampur Mayor Shivshankar Dash alias Pintu Dash is set to be shifted from Berhampur Jail to Phulbani Jail. The decision was taken by the SDJM court, citing safety concerns for Dash while he is lodged in Berhampur Jail.
The move comes after the jail authorities sought permission to transfer Dash, citing potential threats to his life inside Berhampur Jail. Dash’s wife, Ashalata Dash, a practicing lawyer, opposed the transfer, filing a petition in the SDJM court. However, the court ruled in favor of the transfer, noting that Dash’s safety could be compromised in Berhampur Jail.
Notably, Pintu Dash’s opponent in the Shanti Mishra murder case is also lodged in Berhampur Jail, which raised concerns about potential conflicts. The court suggested that Dash could appear in court through video conferencing, alleviating concerns about his participation in the trial.
