Bhubaneswar, Odisha : In a shocking incident, unidentified assailants shot dead a senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and prominent advocate in Berhampur on Monday. As a result, this brazen attack sparked widespread outrage. It also raised serious questions about the deteriorating law and order situation in the region.
The deceased, Advocate Pitabas Panda, was a long-time BJP leader. Meanwhile, the attackers struck while Mr. Panda was returning home from his office near the City Court area. Two men on a motorcycle approached him and opened fire from close range. They then fled the spot where this BJP leader was shot in Berhampur.
Local residents rushed him to MKCG Medical College and Hospital, whereupon doctors declared him dead on arrival. Police cordoned off the area and picked up several empty bullet shells. The shells indicated the use of a sophisticated firearm.
Senior police officials, including Berhampur SP and DIG, rushed to the scene. Furthermore, forensic teams collected evidence. Authorities scrutinize CCTV footage from surrounding areas after the BJP leader was shot in Berhampur.
Following the attack, tension gripped several parts of Berhampur. Police deployed heavy forces across sensitive areas to prevent any law and order issues after the BJP leader was shot dead.
The Berhampur Bar Association convened an emergency meeting and condemned the murder. Consequently, lawyers abstained from work on Wednesday as a mark of protest.
All Odisha Lawyers Association condemned the incident and demanded strong action against the accused. All Odisha Lawyers Association Chairman Gyana Ranjan Mohanty said this heinous act not only murdered an individual but also directly assaulted the justice system and the rule of law. Such barbaric violence against a lawyer in his own locality exposes the complete breakdown of law and order in the region.
In addition, he added, “This is unacceptable, outrageous, and demands immediate and decisive action. I strongly urge and appeal to the Chief Minister of Odisha, the Home Secretary, DGP Odisha, DIG Southern Range, and SP Ganjam to act swiftly. They must arrest all culprits immediately.”
