Berhampur: The investigation into the sensational murder of BJP leader and lawyer Pitavas Panda saw fresh developments as police released Sudarshan Jena, an aide of the main accused, former BJD MLA Vikram Panda, after several hours of questioning. Meanwhile, police have arrested one more person, bringing the total number of arrests to 13.
Sudarshan Jena reportedly surrendered at the Baidyanathpur police station yesterday, showing cooperation with the ongoing investigation. Additional SP Alok Jena and Town Police Station SDPO and investigating officer Priyaranjan Sotoray questioned Jena for approximately three hours at the Baidyanathpur police station on Thursday evening before releasing him late last night.
The police have also arrested Sunil Hota, the owner of the farmhouse that allegedly provided shelter to the primary shooter, Kurupati Bhuyan. Hota's arrest increases the total number of people apprehended in connection with the murder to 13.
However, the two key accused, the shooter Kurupati Bhuyan and co-accused Uma Bishoy, remain absconding following the incident.
Earlier arrests in the case include former MLA Vikram Panda, former mayor Shivshankar Das, corporator Malay Bishoy, and Madan Dalai.
Meanwhile, the legal proceedings have begun for some of the arrested individuals. Vikram Panda, Malay Bishoyi, and Madan Dalai, all of whom are reportedly lawyers themselves, have applied for bail in the Berhampur SDJM court.
Police have previously revealed that the murder was orchestrated due to political and financial reasons. A deal of ₹50 lakh was allegedly struck for the killing of Pitavas Panda, with an initial payment of ₹10 lakh made in advance.
The murder occurred on the night of Kumar Purnima (October 6), when two assailants on a motorcycle shot Panda near his residence.
He was shot in the chest at point-blank range with a 9 mm bullet, which pierced his chest and struck his spine, leading to fatal blood loss. The comprehensive police investigation spanned 15 days, involving the questioning of over 100 people and the examination of more than 70 CCTV footages from across Berhampur city.