High Court Expresses Concern Over Functioning of Berhampur Police
Manoj KantaDash,Odishabarta
Editor-in-Chief
Questions Raised Over SP’s Statement in Pitabas Panda Murder Case; Police Role Also Scrutinised in Former MLA’s Arrest and Constable’s Death Case
Berhampur, September 8, 2026: The functioning of Berhampur Police in several cases has come under scrutiny following observations and interventions by the Orissa High Court.
In the Pitabas Panda murder case, the High Court had raised objections to a statement made by Berhampur Superintendent of Police Saravana Vivek M. while speaking to the media about the investigation. The Court took exception to the SP commenting on a matter relating to a pending election case.
Following the statement made on October 22, 2025, the High Court had sought an affidavit from the SP. Subsequently, on November 11, 2025, the SP appeared personally before the High Court and tendered an unconditional apology.
He also placed his position before the Court through an affidavit.
The functioning of the police also came under scrutiny in connection with the arrest of former Berhampur MLA Bikram Panda.
The High Court reportedly observed that the police had not clearly informed him of the grounds for his arrest at the time of taking him into custody. He was subsequently granted conditional bail, with the issue of the arrest procedure forming part of the court proceedings.
Meanwhile, the investigation into the death of OMVD constable Ashutosh Mrudangia of Berhampur has now been handed over to the Crime Branch.
The development came after Ashutosh’s family approached the High Court, expressing dissatisfaction with the police investigation and seeking an independent probe.
Ashutosh was rescued in a severely burnt condition from his wife’s quarters in the Town Police Station area on June 5. He was initially treated at MKCG Medical College and Hospital and was later shifted to a medical facility in Cuttack. He succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment on June 12.
Ashutosh’s family had levelled serious allegations against his wife and brother-in-law. The family has also claimed that Ashutosh had named his wife and brother-in-law in his dying declaration. However, alleging that the police had not taken adequate action in the matter, the family approached the High Court.
Following the Court’s direction for a Crime Branch investigation, Ashutosh’s mother Deepa Mrudangia and sister Nibedita Mrudangia have expressed hope that the case will now be investigated properly and that justice will be delivered.
Taken together, the developments in these cases have triggered renewed discussion over the functioning of Berhampur Police, particularly regarding investigative procedures, handling of sensitive cases and compliance with legal safeguards. The High Court’s interventions in the separate matters have also brought increased attention to the manner in which investigations and arrests are conducted by the local police.
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