BJP leader Pitabas Panda murder case almost cracked, final chargesheet soon: Odisha DGP

Odisha Police on Thursday reported a major breakthrough in the high-profile murder of senior advocate and BJP leader Pitabas Panda, with DGP Yogesh Bahadur Khurania stating that the case is nearing its logical end and all accused are expected to be apprehended soon.

“Major developments and important leads have unfolded in the investigation into the death of advocate Pitabas Panda. We are certain of solving the case very soon and nabbing all the accused,” DGP Khurania said, stating that the progress made by law enforcement in tracking down those responsible is nearly complete.

Suspects Arrested in Multi-State Operation

In a key development, Berhampur Police apprehended two suspects from Bihar, including a sharpshooter believed to have executed the killing.

Sources confirmed that one of the arrested men fired the fatal bullet at Panda, while the second suspect conducted reconnaissance before the attack. Both were brought to Berhampur for interrogation late Wednesday night.

The operation was part of a coordinated multi-state probe spanning Bihar, Delhi, and Kolkata, following days of surveillance and intelligence gathering by Odisha Police teams. This marks the first substantial breakthrough after over a week of limited leads in the case.

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Investigation Expands to Associates

Authorities are also questioning a close associate of Panda and a local businessman, both of whom reportedly maintained regular contact with the slain advocate. Police believe that the ongoing interrogation of these individuals could provide critical information regarding the motive and help identify the person or persons who ordered the killing.

Notably, the precision of the killing has led investigators to suspect a professional contract killing executed by external operatives.

With the arrests and ongoing questioning of key associates, the police anticipate filing the final chargesheet shortly. The DGP stressed that all accused, including the mastermind, would face the law very soon, marking an end to a case that saw over ten days of slow progress and remarks of delay by Panda’s family.

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