The Untold Story Behind the Murder of Advocate Pitabash Panda
A web of politics, revenge, and betrayal unfolds in Berhampur
Berhampur, (Gopal Patnaik):
In one of the most sensational and politically charged murder cases in southern Odisha, police have unearthed a complex web of conspiracy, revenge, and political ambition surrounding the brutal killing of noted advocate Shri Pitabash Panda. The 52-year-old lawyer was shot dead on the night of October 6, 2025, near his residence in Berhampur.
Initial reports suggested an act of contract killing — but what investigators later uncovered revealed a chilling nexus of politics and crime stretching from Berhampur to Bihar and Koraput.
The Fatal Night
Around 10 PM on October 6, Shri Pitabash Panda was returning home when he was intercepted and shot at close range by unidentified assailants near his house. He was rushed to MKCG Medical College Hospital, where the attending doctor declared him dead on arrival.
A case (Baidyanathpur PS Case No. 518/25) was promptly registered under Sections 103(1)/3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) read with Sections 25/27 of the Arms Act.
Six police teams were formed to crack the case, and what followed was a relentless investigation that exposed a multi-layered conspiracy.
The First Conspiracy: The Bihar Connection
Investigators found that four men—Sisupal Kumar Paswan, Kundan Kumar, Bipin Swain, and Simanchal Nayak—had conducted surveillance (“recce”) of Panda’s movements in Berhampur between September 10 and 14.
The four were allegedly brought from Bihar by Jogendra Rout alias Jogi, on instructions from Uma Shankar Bisoyi, and were lodged in a rented house at Alakapuri, arranged by Malaya Bisoyi.
According to police, Uma Bisoyi had promised them ₹10 lakh and supplied two pistols to carry out the killing. However, the plan was aborted when one of the shooter’s wives suffered a medical emergency, forcing them to flee back to Bihar.
The Second Plan: Local Hitmen Hired
Determined to complete the task, Uma Bisoyi and Jogi Rout—reportedly acting on the advice of Malaya Bisoyi—roped in two local men: Kurupatti Bhuyan and Chintu Pradhan.
They stayed at a bachelor accommodation called Prasant & Co from September 29, and after a series of reconnaissance visits with Jogi Rout, they finalized the attack route.
On October 6, the duo rode a bike with a fake number plate to Panda’s locality. At 10:01 PM, Kurupatti Bhuyan allegedly fired at Panda, fatally injuring him, before escaping with Chintu Pradhan. The killers later changed clothes, discarded evidence at Sitalapalli, and fled towards Bhubaneswar.
Political Links and Hidden Agendas
As the investigation deepened, police unearthed a deeper political motive. Among those arrested were Malaya Bisoyi (a sitting Corporator), Madan Dalei, and Siba Shankar Das alias Pintu Das, a former Mayor of Berhampur Municipality—all known close associates of Bikram Kumar Panda, a prominent local political figure.
Police allege that Bikram Panda and Pintu Das conspired to eliminate Pitabash Panda over financial, personal, and political disputes.
Pintu Das, who has 38 criminal cases to his name, reportedly held long-standing animosity towards the slain lawyer. In 2013, Pintu’s close associate Shanti Mishra was murdered, and Pitabash Panda represented the accused in that case—something Pintu never forgave.
Further, both men believed that Pitabash Panda’s influence had cost them political advancement. Sources say they saw him as an obstacle to their political resurgence, especially with an election petition (No. 19/2024) pending in the Odisha High Court that could have opened the door for new leadership in Berhampur.
The Election Petition Angle
The petition, filed by Pintu Das through a proxy, challenged the election affidavit of the sitting Berhampur MLA. Police claim that Bikram Panda financed and guided the petition through his legal associates, including Madan Dalei and Malaya Bisoyi.
Both believed that if the MLA’s election was annulled, Bikram Panda would secure the party ticket for the by-election, with Pintu Das poised to become Mayor again.
Eliminating Pitabash Panda, who was allegedly opposing their legal and political maneuvers, was seen as “necessary” to clear the path, investigators revealed.
The Shelter Trail
After the murder, the assailants reportedly escaped to Puri and then to Jeypore, where they were sheltered by Sunil Hota, a close associate of Bikram Panda. They stayed in Hota’s farmhouse for four days before being traced by the police.
Call records and financial transactions allegedly confirm that both Malaya Bisoyi and Madan Dalei maintained contact with the absconding accused during this period.
Arrests and Legal Action
So far, 12 accused persons have been arrested under various sections of BNS-2023 and the Arms Act. They include both the alleged shooters, the masterminds, and political backers.
The arrested include:
Chintu Pradhan, 25, Digapahandi
Sishupal Kumar Paswan, 25, Bihar
Kundan Kumar, 22, Bihar
Bipin Swain, 35, Hinjilicut
Simanchal Naik, 30, Badagada
Jogendra Rout alias Jogi, 25, Digapahandi
Malaya Kumar Bisoyi, 58, Corporator, Berhampur
Madan Mohan Dalei, 50, Advocate, Berhampur
Siba Shankar Das alias Pintu Das, 49, Former Mayor
Rajendra Kumar Sahu, 23, Nayagarh
Kalucharana Bhuyan alias Kalu, 39, Puri
Bikram Kumar Panda, 52, Political Leader, Berhampur
Investigation Ongoing
Senior police officials have confirmed that the investigation is still underway to trace other potential conspirators and financial links. Digital forensics, phone data, and bank transactions are being analyzed to establish the full extent of the network.
A senior investigating officer said, “This was not just a murder — it was a planned elimination driven by political vendetta and greed for power.”
A City in Shock
The killing of Advocate Pitabash Panda has shaken Berhampur’s legal and political circles. As the probe widens, it exposes the murky underbelly of power, crime, and betrayal in the city once known for its intellectual and cultural strength.
