Berhampur: The murder of senior lawyer Pitabash Panda in Berhampur has been traced to a deep-rooted political rivalry, personal enmity, and a meticulously planned conspiracy involving multiple accused from within and outside Odisha, Berhampur Superintendent of Police (SP) Saravana Vivek M revealed at a press meet held today.
Addressing the media, SP Vivek M said that the investigation into the October 6 shooting had uncovered a multi-layered plot allegedly masterminded by former Berhampur Mayor Siba Shankar Das alias Pintu Das and former MLA and BJD leader Bikram Panda, with help from several associates.
On the night of October 6, 2025, around 10 pm, advocate Pitabash Panda was returning home when two assailants intercepted him near his residence and opened fire. He was rushed to MKCG Medical College and Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Following the incident, the Baidyanathpur Police registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Arms Act, and formed six special teams to track down those involved.
According to SP Vivek M, the plot to eliminate Panda began in early September. Initially, a group of four men — Sisupal Kumar Paswan, Kundan Kumar, Bipin Swain, and Simanchal Nayak — were hired by Uma Shankar Bisoyi under the direction of Jogendra (Jogi) Rout. They conducted surveillance on Panda’s office and residence between September 10 and 14, staying in a house at Alakapuri arranged by Sunya Chandra Das with assistance from Malaya Bisoyi.
The first attempt was dropped after one of the shooters had to return to Bihar due to a family emergency. Subsequently, Uma Bisoyi and Jogi Rout engaged two local men — Kurupatti Bhuyan and Chintu Pradhan — to carry out the killing. Chintu arrived from Bengaluru, while Kurupatti came from Banthapalli, and both stayed at accommodation arranged by the same network.
On the night of the crime, Jogi Rout provided them with a motorcycle bearing a fake number plate, two pistols, and new clothes. At around 10:01 pm, Panda was shot near his residence. The duo fled, changed clothes at Sitalapalli village, and hid the weapons. Police later recovered the bike, pistols, and other incriminating evidence.
After the murder, the assailants travelled to Bhubaneswar and Puri, before taking refuge in Jeypore (Koraput) at a farmhouse owned by Sunil Hota, a close associate of Bikram Panda. According to SP Vivek M, Hota was aware of their involvement and allegedly provided shelter while coordinating with Malaya Bisoyi and Madan Dalei about their movements.
SP Vivek M said the probe has revealed that the murder was driven by personal and political enmity.
Former Mayor Pintu Das, who faces 38 criminal cases, reportedly blamed Panda for delays in a 2013 murder trial and for his failure to secure an Assembly ticket.
Meanwhile, Bikram Panda and the deceased had fallen out after 2018 following political differences and disputes during Odisha Bar Council elections, where Panda allegedly opposed Bikram’s bid for influence.
Police said the two leaders viewed the lawyer as an obstacle to their political ambitions, particularly amid an ongoing election petition (No. 19/2024) in the Odisha High Court, filed by an employee of Pintu Das but allegedly funded and coordinated by Bikram Panda. Investigators believe the conspirators wanted Panda eliminated before the petition’s outcome, fearing his influence could impact any future by-election scenario.
SP Vivek M confirmed that 12 persons, including Bikram Panda, Pintu Das, and their associates, have been arrested under various sections of the BNS, 2023, and the Arms Act. Several others are under police scanner as the investigation continues.
“This was a complex and politically sensitive case involving multiple layers of planning, logistical support, and coordination across districts,” SP Vivek M said, adding that the investigation remains ongoing to identify additional conspirators.
