BJD Leader Bikram Panda Asserts Innocence in High-Profile Murder Case
Former Berhampur MLA and BJD's Ganjam unit president, Bikram Kumar Panda, currently held in judicial custody in connection with the murder of senior advocate and BJP member Pitabash Panda, has publicly declared his innocence. In a statement made on Sunday, Panda asserted that he has been falsely implicated in the case, claiming it is a deliberate attempt to defame both him and his political party.
Health Concerns Lead to Hospital Visit Amid Custody
Panda, who has been lodged at the Berhampur circle jail since his arrest on November 6 last year, was taken to MKCG Medical College and Hospital on Sunday due to medical issues. He experienced high blood pressure and abdominal pain, prompting the jail authorities to refer him for specialized treatment. D N Barik, the senior superintendent of Berhampur circle jail, confirmed that Panda received initial treatment within the jail premises before being transferred to the hospital for further care.
Allegations of Political Motives and Faith in Judiciary
While being escorted to the hospital under tight security, Panda spoke to the media, emphasizing his belief that the case against him is politically motivated. "It is an attempt to tarnish the image of my party. All this is being done only for political motives," he stated. Despite these allegations, Panda expressed unwavering confidence in the judicial system, noting that he trusts the courts to deliver justice and clear his name.
Background of the Murder Case and Arrests
The case revolves around the fatal shooting of Pitabash Panda, who was killed by two bike-borne assailants near his residence at Baikuntha Nagar on October 6 last year. In the subsequent investigation, police have arrested a total of 16 individuals, including Bikram Panda, former Berhampur Municipal Corporation mayor Siva Shankar Das, and the alleged shooters. Currently, 15 of the accused, including Panda, are detained at the Berhampur circle jail, while Das was relocated to the circle jail in Phulbani, Kandhamal district, on October 31, 2025, for security reasons.
Legal Proceedings and Political Reactions
Panda's legal representative, advocate Deepak Patnaik, revealed that his client has filed a bail application with the Orissa High Court, which is currently pending. On the political front, Saroj Sabat, the BJP's Ganjam district president, responded to the situation by stating, "the guilty will be punished in the court of law," and dismissed claims that Panda's arrest was driven by political agendas, reinforcing the party's stance on legal accountability.
