A local BJP leader and senior lawyer, Pitabas Panda, was shot dead near his residence in Berhampur, Odisha, on Monday night. The incident occurred outside his home in the Brahmanagar area, where two motorcycle-borne assailants opened fire at him around 10 pm.
According to police sources, Panda sustained two bullet injuries. He was immediately rushed to MKCG Medical College and Hospital, but succumbed to his wounds during treatment. The police have begun investigating the case, with senior officials, reaching the scene soon after the incident.
Who was Pitabas Panda?
Pitabas Panda, aged around 50, was a prominent lawyer and senior BJP leader from Berhampur. He was a member of the Odisha State Bar Council and known for his active advocacy of Right to Information (RTI) causes.
Previously associated with the Congress party, he had later joined the BJP and gained recognition for his fight against irregularities and corruption in Berhampur city and Ganjam district.
Over the years, Panda became known as a vocal critic of corruption and a proponent of transparency in governance. His activism and leadership earned him respect in both legal and political circles. Colleagues and local leaders have described him as a committed and fearless figure who worked for public accountability, according to multiple media sources.
Motive behind killing still unknown
The reason behind Panda’s killing remains unclear. Police have launched a detailed probe into the incident, examining possible motives linked to his legal and political activities.
In response to his death, the All Odisha Lawyers Association has appealed to advocates across the state to abstain from court work on October 8 as a mark of protest and solidarity.