Odisha BJP Leader and Senior Advocate Pitabash Panda Shot Dead in Berhampur; Investigation Underway

Senior advocate and BJP leader Pitabash Panda was shot dead by unidentified assailants near his residence in Odisha's Berhampur late on Monday night, police officials said.

The incident occurred in the city's Brahma Nagar area and has triggered widespread shock across the state's political and legal circles.

According to initial information released by the Berhampur Police, Panda was attacked close to his home at around 10 p.m. He sustained bullet injuries and was immediately rushed to MKCG Medical College and Hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.

Officials stated that unidentified men, believed to be riding a motorcycle, fired at Panda from close range before fleeing the scene.

Senior police personnel, including the Berhampur Superintendent of Police, visited the site and reviewed the circumstances surrounding the incident.

A case has been registered, and forensic teams have begun collecting material evidence from the location. The crime scene was cordoned off, and CCTV footage from the area is being examined to identify the suspects.

Berhampur SP (Superintendent of Police) said that multiple teams have been formed to pursue leads in the case. These teams are working in coordination with technical units to verify call data records, check nearby surveillance cameras, and establish the sequence of events that led to the shooting.

Police officials have also indicated that the motive behind the killing remains under investigation. The authorities are exploring all possible angles, including any professional or political links that may have a bearing on the incident. Preliminary findings suggest that the attack was deliberate and executed at close range, but a definitive conclusion will be drawn only after forensic and ballistic analyses are completed.

The body of the deceased leader was sent for post mortem examination at MKCG Medical College and Hospital.

Following standard procedure, the medical report will be shared with investigators to confirm the nature of the injuries and the type of firearm used in the crime.

Pitabash Panda, a practicing lawyer and prominent BJP leader in Ganjam district, was well-known in Berhampur's legal fraternity. His death has left colleagues and party members deeply distressed. Several political figures, including members of the Odisha BJP and Opposition parties, have condemned the killing and called for an impartial and swift investigation.

Reacting to the incident, leaders of opposition parties criticised what they described as the deteriorating law and order situation in the state.

They demanded that the state government ensure accountability and take concrete steps to restore public confidence in local policing.

Party workers and residents gathered outside the hospital and at Panda’s residence as news of his death spread, expressing grief and anger over the attack.

State government representatives have said that the police have been instructed to treat the case with utmost priority. Senior officials in the Home Department are reportedly monitoring the progress of the investigation. The state government has assured that the perpetrators will be brought to justice at the earliest and that no lapse in the probe will be tolerated.

Meanwhile, additional police forces have been deployed in parts of Berhampur to prevent any law and order disturbance following the incident. Officers have been stationed at key junctions in the city to maintain calm and avoid public unrest. 

As of Tuesday morning, investigators continued their search for suspects. The local police have coordinated with crime branch units for technical assistance and are collecting intelligence inputs from nearby districts. No confirmation has been received on the purpose of the said incident.

The killing of a senior member of the bar and political establishment has brought renewed attention to the safety of public figures and professionals in the region. Legal associations in Berhampur and Bhubaneswar have reportedly discussed the incident and are expected to release formal statements seeking a fair probe and greater security measures for advocates.

Inputs from ANI