Manoj Kanta Dash, Odishabarta

Editor-in-Chief

Berhampur, September 1, 2026: Senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader and former Berhampur MLA Bikram Panda walked out of the Berhampur Sub-Jail on Tuesday evening after the Orissa High Court granted him conditional bail in connection with the murder of senior advocate and BJP leader Pitabas Panda.

Panda had remained in judicial custody for more than 10 months. His release came a day after the High Court granted him bail, following acceptance of his bail bond by the lower court in Berhampur.

A large number of BJD leaders, party workers and supporters gathered outside the jail to welcome Panda after his release.

 Among those present were BJD MP Manas Mangaraj, senior leaders Debi Prasad Mishra, Pratap Jena, Sanjay Dasburma, Chinmaya Sahoo and Ipsita Sahu.

Speaking to the media after walking out of jail, Panda said he had been falsely implicated in the case and denied having any role in the murder.

“I was falsely implicated in a case. I have no role in the case. I have always been fighting against injustice. With the blessings of Lord Jagannath and the wishes of the people, I got justice. I am grateful to my leader Naveen Patnaik for his continuous support,” Panda said.

High Court Grants Conditional Bail

The Orissa High Court granted Panda conditional bail after hearing his petition. The court reportedly observed that mandatory procedures relating to his arrest had not been properly followed by the police.

As part of the bail conditions, Panda has reportedly been directed to surrender his passport and cooperate with the ongoing investigation. He has also been restrained from influencing witnesses or interfering with the investigation and cannot leave Odisha without prior permission of the court.

Panda had approached the High Court after his bail plea was considered by the lower court. His bail petition was filed before the High Court on December 23, 2025, and the judgment was reserved on July 31, 2026.

Arrest in Pitabas Panda Murder Case

Bikram Panda was arrested in connection with the murder of senior advocate and BJP member Pitabas Panda, who was killed in Berhampur on October 6, 2025. Panda subsequently remained in judicial custody while the investigation and legal proceedings continued.

With the High Court granting conditional bail, Panda has now been released from custody while the investigation into the murder case continues.

His release was marked by a large gathering of BJD supporters outside the jail, where party leaders and workers gave him a warm welcome.