Pitabas Panda murder case: Odisha Minister urges BJD to take legal recourse instead of street protests
Senior BJP leader and advocate Pitabas Panda’s murder case sparked political tension, with the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) voicing strong reactions on Friday. Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan urged BJD to approach the court instead of staging protests on the streets.
The Minister emphasised that a police investigation is being conducted diligently. Authorities have found evidence against the accused, which has already resulted in arrests.
Responding to political criticism, BJD leaders insisted that the real perpetrators must be apprehended by the police and justice served. Meanwhile, the Law Minister reaffirmed that the legal process would take its course and all parties should respect the rule of law.
The murder case continues to attract attention from both the public and political circles, highlighting the need for a transparent investigation and timely justice.
“Justice must be delivered to Pitabas Panda. Otherwise speaking, the victim’s perpetrators be identified and punished. Proper investigation must be done, but not by the police, who have lost their independence. Police is (now) dancing to the tune of the ruling party,” BJD MLA Ganeswar Behera expressed.
Reacting to this, the Law Minister stated, “Investigation into Pitabas Panda murder case has been done by the police in a disciplined manner and with utmost sincerity. Despite this, if the BJD feels that there is any mismatch (of facts) and no coherence (in the probe), the party may proceed to a judicial forum and challenge the matter. The legal recourse is open to them.”
“Hence, instead of taking the matter to the streets, better, it would be better presented before the judicial forum, if they have any concrete proof that the police investigation was biased or wrong. Instead of doing this, BJD accusing the government or police, who cracked such a major murder mystery after a detailed probe, is inappropriate,” the Minister added.
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