Bhubaneswar: Odisha MSME Minister Gokulananda Mallick on Wednesday stated that police have gathered significant leads in the murder case of senior BJP leader and lawyer Pitabash Panda (50), who was shot dead outside his residence in Berhampur late on October 6.
Addressing the media, Minister Mallick said the state government is taking the incident very seriously and assured that strict action will be taken against those involved.
“The way Pitabash Panda was shot and killed by miscreants is extremely unfortunate and deeply saddening. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has taken serious note of the matter. He has directed the police to take swift and firm action. No one involved—directly or indirectly—will be spared,” the minister said.
He further added that the investigation is progressing rapidly.
“The police have already gathered key clues and leads in the case. Several aspects are being examined. The culprits will be brought to justice soon,” Mallick assured.
The incident has triggered shock and outrage in Berhampur and across the political spectrum.
The incident occurred on October 6, when two unidentified assailants on a motorcycle opened fire on Panda from close range while he was standing by the roadside outside his home in Brahma Nagar. Locals immediately rushed him to MKCG Medical College and Hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead.
