Berhampur: The bail applications of former Berhampur MLA Bikram Kumar Panda and BJD leader Madan Dalei, both arrested in connection with the sensational murder of advocate Pitabash Panda, were rejected by the Berhampur SDJM Court on Tuesday.
Advocate Deepak Pattnayak, appearing for Bikram Panda, confirmed that a fresh bail petition has been filed before the District Judge’s Court, challenging the SDJM’s rejection order.
The case relates to the brutal killing of advocate Pitabash Panda, who was shot dead at point-blank range on the night of Kumar Purnima in Baikunthanagar. The shooters — Kurupati Bhuyan and Chintu Pradhan — allegedly arrived on a motorcycle and opened fire from extremely close range. A murder case was subsequently registered at Baidyanathpur Police Station.
So far, the Baidyanathpur police have arrested 16 accused in connection with the murder. The arrested include the shooters, two contract killers from Bihar — Shishupal Paswan and Kundan Kumar — and key associates of the alleged conspirators, namely Uma Bisoyi, Yogi Raut, Seemanchal Nayak, and Bipin Swain. Former Mayor Shibashankar Das and Corporator Malay Bisoyi are also among those behind bars.
Meanwhile, Test Identification (TI) parades for eight of the arrested accused have been completed inside Brahmapur Circle Jail. Investigating Officer and Berhampur Town SDPO Priyas Ranjan Chhotray had sought permission from the SDJM Court, which granted approval for the proceedings.
All 16 accused continue to remain lodged in jail as the investigation progresses.
