Berhampur, Oct 8: Lawyers across Odisha are observing a statewide pen-down strike today in protest against the brutal murder of senior lawyer and BJP leader Pitabash Panda.

Following an emergency meeting, the Odisha State Bar Council issued a strong statement denouncing the killing as a direct assault on the independence of the legal profession.

The council has called for arrest of the accused within 48 hours, Rs 1 crore compensation for the bereaved family, formation of a high-level judicial commission to investigate the motive and conspiracy behind the murder, with a report to be submitted within three months

Also read: Conspiracy! Police Recover CCTV Footage in Pitabash Panda Murder Case

The council emphasised that the killing of a lawyer in front of his home is deeply unfortunate and a grave threat to the autonomy of the legal community. Citing the Advocate Protection Act, the council urged the state government to take immediate steps to ensure the safety of legal professionals.

On Tuesday, Berhampur Superintendent of Police (SP) Dr. Saravana Vivek M visited the crime scene. The senior official also visited the victim’s residence late last night. He met with the bereaved family and assured them of a thorough and sensitive investigation.

Specialised teams have been formed to probe the case.

On October 6, the senior lawyer was shot dead by unidentified assailants outside his residence.

Panda was returning home from his chamber when unidentified assailants on a motorcycle shot him at point-blank range near his residence. He was rushed to the hospital by locals but succumbed to his bullet injuries. There was no breakthrough in police investigation by Tuesday evening.

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