Berhampur (Odisha): Pitabas Panda, a senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and a practicing lawyer, was shot dead by unidentified assailants near his residence in the Brahmanagar area under Baidyanathpur police limits in Berhampur on Monday night. The incident occurred around 10:00 PM.
According to police sources, two bike-borne attackers opened fire at Panda from close range, inflicting multiple gunshot wounds to his chest. He was immediately rushed to MKCG Medical College and Hospital, where he was declared brought dead.
Panda was a member of the Odisha State Bar Council and widely recognized for his legal activism, particularly in the areas of anti-corruption and advocacy for marginalized communities. Formerly affiliated with the Congress party, he had joined the BJP ahead of the 2024 general elections and was a prominent leader in Ganjam district.
Police are currently examining CCTV footage from the area and are working to identify the culprits and establish the motive behind the killing. No arrests have been made so far.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage. BJP leaders, including Odisha BJP President Manmohan Samal, strongly condemned the killing and called for swift and decisive action against those responsible.
In response to the killing, the All Odisha Lawyers Association has announced a statewide abstention from court proceedings as a mark of protest.
Authorities continue to investigate the case, and further updates are awaited. (IT)