TNI Bureau: A local court rejected the bail applications of five accused in the lawyer Pitabas Panda murder case, including former Berhampur MLA Bikram Panda.

The court of the Additional District and Sessions Judge denied bail to Bikram Panda, former Berhampur Municipal Corporation mayor Pintu Das, lawyer Madan Dalei, and the other accused Sunil Hota and Sunya Das.

Pitabas Panda was shot dead on the night of October 6, 2025, when he was returning home. He was attacked by two assailants near his residence around 10 pm and was rushed to MKCG Medical College and Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

According to Berhampur police, the murder was the result of a well-planned conspiracy involving political rivalry, personal enmity and financial motives. Investigators have stated that Bikram Panda, former Ganjam district BJD president, and Pintu Das were the main conspirators behind the killing. Police said the case involves multiple accused from within and outside Odisha, with several layers of planning. The investigation is still underway.