Berhampur, Nov 3: In a significant development, Odisha Police on Monday arrested Kurupati Bhuyan, one of the alleged sharpshooters involved in the brutal murder of senior advocate and BJP leader Pitabash Panda.

The arrest marks a major breakthrough in the high-profile case that has shaken the political and legal fraternity in the state.

Shooter Hired for Targeted Killing

Bhuyan was reportedly hired along with another shooter, Chintu Pradhan, by accused Uma Shankar Bishoyi and Jogi Rout to carry out the killing. Earlier in the day, Bisoyi was also arrested, adding momentum to the ongoing investigation.

Also Read: Uma Shankar Bishoyi Arrested in Pitabash Panda Murder Case

According to police sources, the shooters had conducted detailed surveillance of Panda’s residence, office, and daily commute before executing the attack. On October 6, they approached Panda on a motorcycle with a fake number plate and shot him at point-blank range near his home.

Hideout and Aiding Accused

Following the murder, Bhuyan was sheltered at a farmhouse in Jeypore by businessman Sunil Kumar Hota, who has also been arrested for aiding the accused. With Bhuyan’s arrest, the total number of people taken into custody has risen to 15, including former Berhampur MLA Bikram Kumar Panda and ex-Mayor Sivshankar Das.

Also Read: Friendship Turns Fatal: The Untold Story Behind Advocate Pitabash Panda’s Murder

Political Tensions and Police Response

The murder has triggered widespread concern over contract killings and political violence in Odisha. Berhampur SP Saravana Vivek M assured the public of swift justice and reinforced surveillance to prevent such crimes in the future.

The case continues to unfold, with police probing deeper into the conspiracy and motives behind the assassination.