BERHAMPUR: In search for leads in the high-profile murder of BJP leader and senior advocate Pitabasa Panda, Berhampur police reportedly picked up a prominent corporator of the city for questioning on Saturday night.
Sources said a special police team comprising senior officers is interrogating the detained corporator at an undisclosed location. Earlier, police had detained seven persons including two jawans - one in the CISF and the other from 8th Battalion of Odisha Special Armed Police (OSAP) - in connection with the crime. While four were released after questioning, the two jawans and another person are still being quizzed.
Besides, some notorious criminals of Digapahandi, Hinjili, Patapur, Polasara and Kabisuryanagar have been picked up for interrogation in the case. So far, police have already questioned more than 60 people including some businessmen and political leaders. While the motive behind crime is yet to be ascertained, it is suspected that Pitabasa’s murder might be linked to a disputed land deal worth nearly Rs 12 crore in which he was entangled. Some prominent businessmen and politicians of the city were also involved in the dispute.
While police are tight-lipped about the case on the pretext of hampering the investigation, sources said the cops have reportedly traced the mastermind behind Pitabasa’s murder and are working overtime to gather concrete evidence. Six special teams are investigating to crack the case.
Meanwhile, the BJP unit of Ganjam district on Sunday organised a condolence meeting to pay tributes to Pitabasa. The meeting was held at the BJP office and attended by many party MLAs of the district and local leaders.
Speakers said Pitabasa’s death was a great loss to the party. “Panda not only dedicated himself for strengthening the BJP in Ganjam but also championed the cause of the weaker section of the society and never hesitated to raise his voice against corruption,” they said.
