BJP Leader Pitavas Panda Shot Dead In Odisha's Berhampur, Probe Launched
BJP leader Pitavas Panda was fatally shot by unidentified men near his home in Odisha's Berhampur. A probe is underway to ascertain the reason behind his killing and nab the assailants.
BJP leader Pitavas Panda was shot dead by miscreants near his home in Berhampur on Monday. The attack occurred at around 10 PM as Panda returned to his residence in Baikunthanagar after attending several programs earlier that evening.
Three teams have been constituted to carry out the investigation, Superintendent of Police (SP) Berhampur, Saravana Vivek M, told news agency ANI.
As Panda neared his house in the Vaidyanathpur area, two assailants on a motorcycle, lying in wait, confronted him. They fired two close-range shots, inflicting serious injuries to his chest before making a swift escape.
Local residents quickly rushed the critically wounded Panda to MKCG Medical College and Hospital, but doctors, after assessing his condition, declared him dead on arrival.
News of Panda’s tragic death left friends, colleagues, and residents grappling with the sudden loss of a respected advocate and rising political figure. Members of the Berhampur Bar Council and local BJP party workers hurried to the hospital upon hearing of the incident, IANS reported.
State Commerce and Transport Department Minister Bihbhu Bhushan Jena, along with Berhampur MLA Anil Kumar visited MKCG hospital, expressing their condolences and urging swift action. In response to the tragedy, the All Odisha Lawyers Association has called for a statewide work strike on October 8, urging all members of the legal community to abstain from court duties in Panda’s memory and in protest of attacks on advocates.
Meanwhile, BJD leader Bhrugu Baxipatra condemned the BJP leader's murder and flagged the law and order situation in the State.
Speaking to ANI, Baxipatra said, "It is very unfortunate as to what happened yesterday in Berhampur in the Ganjam District. A very senior leader of the ruling party of the district, who is also a very prominent lawyer, a member of the bar council, was shot dead last night...The Biju Janata Dal has been continuously trying to say that the law and order situation in the state, since the BJP came to power, has completely destabilised."
Odisha Congress President Bhakta Charan Das also slammed the Mohan Charan Majhi-led government in the State, alleging "jungle raj" in the state.
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