SaralnamaWhat began as a friendship between two Pandas in Odisha's politics ended in murder. Pitabash Panda, a BJP leader, was shot dead in Berhampur. Police arrested 12 people, including his former friend Bikram Panda, a BJD leader, for conspiracy. The two started in Youth Congress but chose different political paths. Their relationship soured over time due to political and personal reasons. Police say Bikram and former mayor Siba Shankar Das plotted to eliminate Pitabash, viewing him as an obstacle to their future. BJD claims Bikram's arrest is a BJP conspiracy to tarnish their image. (Updated 23 Oct 2025, 17:08 IST; source: link)
Key Points
- What began as a friendship between two Pandas in Odisha's politics ended in murder on 6 Oct
- Pitabash Panda, a BJP leader, was shot dead in Berhampur
- Police arrested 12 people, including his former friend Bikram Panda, a BJD leader, for conspiracy