Berhampur, Nov 20: The investigation into the murder of advocate Pitabash Panda has reached a crucial stage with the submission of the Test Identification (TI) parade report.

According to the report, only two accused — Kurupati Bhuyan and Chintu Pradhan — were identified by witnesses during the parade.

The TI parade was conducted in two phases under the supervision of the JMFC (LR & LTV) magistrate in Berhampur. A total of five witnesses participated in the identification process.

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In the first phase, held inside Berhampur jail, five accused — Sishupal Kumar Paswan, Simanchal Nayak, Kundan Kumar, Bipin Swain, and Uma Shankar Bishoyi — were presented before two witnesses. None of them were identified.

In the second phase, held last Monday, three accused — Kurupati Bhuyan, Chintu Pradhan, and Yogendra Raut alias Yogi — were presented. Witnesses identified Bhuyan and Pradhan, while Yogi was not recognized.

The magistrate has submitted the TI parade report to the SDJM court, which will now consider the findings as part of the ongoing judicial process. The identification of Bhuyan and Pradhan is expected to strengthen the prosecution’s case, as both have been under suspicion since the early stages of the investigation.

The murder of advocate Pitabash Panda had triggered widespread outrage across Odisha, with demands for swift justice and strict punishment for those involved.

Authorities have indicated that further investigation will continue to corroborate witness testimonies with other evidence, ensuring a strong case against those identified.