Berhampur: The postmortem report of advocate Pitabash Panda, who was shot dead in Berhampur Monday night, has confirmed that he was killed with a 9mm pistol fired at point-blank range.
According to reports, the autopsy revealed that a single bullet, which entered through his right chest, had pierced vital organs before lodging near the spine. The bullet was later recovered during the forensic examination at MKCG Medical College and Hospital (MKCG MC&H).
Head of the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, MKCG MC&H has confirmed that the bullet caused massive internal injuries leading to instant collapse and death.
According to police sources, the incident took place around 10 PM Monday when Panda, a member of the State Bar Council and a BJP leader, was standing in the main lane of Baikuntha Nagar near his residence. Two assailants arrived on a motorcycle, opened fire at him, and fled the spot. Locals immediately rushed him to MKCG Hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead.
While investigations are underway, the motive behind the murder and the identity of the assailants remain unknown. Police have launched a manhunt and are analyzing CCTV footage from the area.
The shocking incident has triggered widespread outrage and raised serious concerns about public safety. “If an advocate can be gunned down in the heart of the city, how safe are common citizens?” questioned one local resident.
In protest, lawyers across Odisha have observed a statewide cease-work agitation today, demanding immediate arrest of the culprits and strict action against those responsible. Security has been tightened in and around court premises as tension prevails in Berhampur following the killing.
