In a significant development in a high-profile murder case that shook Berhampur, the local police have submitted a voluminous chargesheet before the court. The document, running over 1,660 pages, names 16 individuals as accused, including a former legislator and several local political figures.
Massive Chargesheet Filed Before Deadline
The Berhampur Police, led by Superintendent of Police Saravana Vivek M., filed the preliminary chargesheet at the Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate (SDJM) court on Sunday. The filing occurred well within the stipulated 90-day period, demonstrating the investigative pace. The sheer volume of evidence required police to carry the documents in a trunk for submission to the court.
SP Vivek stated that the chargesheet contains exhaustive details of all evidence gathered in the case so far. The investigative process has been thorough, involving the recorded statements of 122 individuals and meticulous verification of footage from multiple CCTV cameras in the area.
High-Profile Accused and Alleged Motive
The list of the 16 accused reads like a who's who of local political and professional circles. The most prominent name is that of former Berhampur MLA and BJD member Bikram Kumar Panda. Other notable individuals charged include former Berhampur mayor Siva Shankar Das, BJD corporator Malaya Bisoyi, and advocate Madan Mohan Dalei, along with several close aides of the former MLA.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Priyas Ranjan Chhotray outlined the serious charges pressed against the accused. These include murder, criminal conspiracy, organised crime, destruction of evidence, harbouring offenders, and violations of the Arms Act. The police have indicated that the murder was driven by a combination of political, financial, and business enmity.
The Crime and Ongoing Investigation
The victim, senior advocate and BJP supporter Pitabash Panda, who was also a member of the State Bar Council, was brutally gunned down on the night of October 6, 2025. The attack took place near his residence in Baikuntha Nagar, Berhampur, where two assailants on a motorcycle opened fire. Despite being rushed to the MKCG Medical College and Hospital by locals, he was declared dead by doctors.
While the current chargesheet is comprehensive, the police have clarified that the investigation is not closed. Supplementary chargesheets are expected as more individuals are under the police scanner. SP Vivek confirmed that the probe is ongoing and names of other suspects will be added in subsequent filings.
This case has highlighted the grim intersection of crime and politics in the region, with the police's swift chargesheet filing marking a crucial step towards seeking justice for the slain advocate.
