In a shocking incident that has sent ripples across Odisha’s political landscape, Pitabash Panda, a prominent BJP leader, senior advocate, and RTI activist, was gunned down by unidentified assailants outside his residence in Berhampur’s Brahma Nagar area late on October 6, 2025. The brutal killing of the 50-year-old, who had recently risen to prominence in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after switching from Congress, has sparked outrage, protests, and intense speculation about political rivalry as a potential motive. As the Odisha Police launch a manhunt and the state grapples with rising tensions, this tragedy underscores the volatile undercurrents of local politics in Ganjam district.
The Incident: A Targeted Attack
The attack occurred around 10 PM on October 6, during the festive atmosphere of Kumar Purnima, a significant cultural celebration in Odisha. Panda was standing on the roadside near his home when two bike-borne assailants approached and opened fire at close range. Reports indicate that at least two bullets struck him, causing critical injuries. Residents rushed him to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur, but doctors declared him dead on arrival. The assailants fled the scene, leaving behind a shocked community and a trail of questions about the motive behind such a brazen act.
Berhampur Superintendent of Police Saravana Vivek M confirmed that a murder case has been registered under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. Three special teams, led by senior officers including South Range Inspector General Niti Shekhar, have been formed to track down the perpetrators. CCTV footage from the area is under review, and the police are working to trace the motorcycle’s registration. As of October 7 morning, no arrests have been made, but the investigation is treating the case as a high-priority matter.
Pitabash Panda: A Multifaceted Figure
Pitabash Panda was no ordinary political figure. A senior advocate and member of the Odisha State Bar Council, he was known for his legal acumen and fearless RTI activism, which often targeted alleged corruption in local governance and land deals in Ganjam district. His activism reportedly earned him threats from vested interests, possibly linked to political or business circles. Panda’s political journey was equally dynamic: a long-time Congress member, he switched allegiance to the BJP ahead of the 2024 general elections, quickly establishing himself as a key campaigner and leader in Berhampur, a BJP stronghold since 2019.
This party switch, while not uncommon in Indian politics, likely stirred tensions. Berhampur and Ganjam districts are politically charged, with the BJP, Congress, and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) vying for influence. Panda’s growing clout within the BJP may have unsettled rivals, both within his new party and among opposition factions, particularly those affected by his RTI exposés. While the police have not confirmed a motive, political rivalry has emerged as a leading theory, fueled by public statements and the broader context of Odisha’s post-2024 political shifts.
Political Reactions: A State in Shock
The killing has triggered a firestorm of reactions, with political leaders across parties condemning the act while pointing fingers at each other. Odisha BJP chief Manmohan Samal described the murder as a “brutal attack on democracy” and an affront to the rule of law, vowing that the party would ensure justice for Panda. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who also holds the Home portfolio, condemned the violence and directed the police to pursue “exemplary punishment” for the culprits. Local BJP leaders, including Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena and Berhampur MLA K. Anil Kumar, visited the hospital and crime scene, expressing solidarity with Panda’s family and supporters.
Opposition parties seized the moment to criticize the BJP-led state government, which assumed power in 2024 after ending the BJD’s long reign. Congress leader Niranjan Patnaik called the killing a sign of “complete collapse of law and order,” questioning how citizens could feel safe when even BJP leaders were targeted. Congress MLA Sagar Charan Das went further, labeling it a “cold-blooded murder” that exposed “jungle raj” under BJP rule. The BJD, led by figures like Bhrugu Baxipatra, echoed these sentiments, linking the incident to broader law-and-order failures, including recent communal clashes in Cuttack and protests over women’s safety.
Political Rivalry as a Motive?
While the police have stated that all angles—personal, professional, and political—are under investigation, political rivalry remains a focal point of speculation. Panda’s defection from Congress to the BJP in 2024 likely created enemies among former colleagues or local powerbrokers who viewed his rise as a threat. His RTI activism, which targeted questionable land deals and governance lapses, may have further antagonized influential figures, some potentially tied to opposition parties or even internal BJP factions vying for control in Ganjam. The timing of the attack, months after the BJP’s ascent to power in Odisha, adds weight to theories of political vendettas.
Ganjam’s political landscape is complex, with the BJP consolidating its urban base in Berhampur while the BJD retains influence in rural areas. Congress, though weakened, still commands loyalty among certain communities. Panda’s high-profile switch and activism could have disrupted local power dynamics, making him a target for those seeking to settle scores or curb his influence. However, without arrests or forensic evidence, these remain theories, and the police have urged restraint to avoid escalating tensions.
Broader Implications: Law and Order Under Scrutiny
The murder comes at a time of heightened concern over Odisha’s law-and-order situation. Recent incidents, including communal violence in Cuttack and protests over women’s safety, have fueled opposition narratives of governance failures under the BJP. Panda’s killing has amplified these concerns, with the Berhampur Bar Association and All Odisha Lawyers Association announcing a statewide court boycott on October 8 to protest what they call an attack on the justice system. The legal community views Panda’s death as a chilling message to activists and advocates who challenge powerful interests.
Social media platforms, particularly X, have been abuzz with reactions, with hashtags like #JusticeForPitabashPanda trending in Odisha. Posts reflect a mix of grief, anger, and demands for swift action, with many users speculating about political motives. The incident has also sparked discussions about the safety of political workers in a state navigating its first BJP government in decades.
What’s Next?
As the investigation unfolds, all eyes are on the Odisha Police to deliver results. The recovery of ballistics evidence, analysis of CCTV footage, and potential witness testimonies will be critical in identifying the assailants and their motives. The BJP government faces pressure to demonstrate its commitment to law and order, while opposition parties are likely to keep the issue alive to challenge the ruling party’s credibility.https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/
For now, Berhampur remains tense, with heightened police presence and community vigils honoring Panda’s memory. His death is a stark reminder of the risks faced by those at the intersection of politics, activism, and public service in India’s volatile political arenas. Whether driven by rivalry, personal enmity, or other factors, this tragedy has left a void in Odisha’s political and legal communities, with ripple effects that may shape the state’s discourse for months to come.https://theinfohatch.com/v-dem-hypocrisy-on-india-a-critique-of-electoral/