Pitabas Panda Murder: Former Berhampur MLA Bikram Panda Discharged from Hospital, Shifted Back to Jail

Bhubaneswar: Former Berhampur MLA Bikram Panda, the prime accused in the high-profile murder case of BJP leader and senior advocate Pitabas Panda, was discharged from MKCG Medical College and Hospital on Thursday and shifted back to Berhampur Circle Jail under tight security.

Panda had been undergoing treatment at the hospital for an extended period after reportedly falling seriously ill while in judicial custody. He was admitted following complaints of severe health complications and remained under medical supervision during the ongoing trial in connection with the sensational murder case of October 2025.

According to sources, he was discharged after his condition improved and was immediately escorted to jail amid heavy security arrangements.

Bikram Panda was arrested in November 2025 along with several others, including former Berhampur mayor Siba Shankar Das, for allegedly masterminding the killing of Pitabas Panda. The senior advocate was shot dead near his residence, triggering widespread outrage.

Police investigations have indicated that the murder may have been driven by a combination of political rivalry, personal enmity, and financial disputes.