High-Stakes Politics: Arrest of BJD Leaders Ignites Controversy

Odisha Police arrested 12 individuals, including former Berhampur MLA Bikram Panda, for the murder of BJP leader Pitabas Panda. The BJD called the arrests politically motivated. The crime was allegedly fueled by political rivalry and personal enmity. Key suspects were linked to a financial deal and election petition.

Odisha Police made a major breakthrough on Wednesday by arresting 12 individuals, including former Berhampur MLA and BJD's Ganjam district president Bikram Panda, in connection to the murder of BJP leader and advocate Pitabas Panda. The arrest has stirred political tensions, with the BJD labeling the move as politically motivated.

The brutal murder of Pitabas Panda was reportedly driven by a complex web of political rivalry, financial losses, and personal enmity. Key figures arrested include former Berhampur mayor Siba Shankar Das and corporator Malay Bishoyi. The investigation revealed that a Rs 50 lakh deal was involved in orchestrating the assassination.

The political fallout has been significant, with BJD's leadership claiming it's a ploy to deflect attention from allegations against Bibhuti Bhusan Jena, a BJP ally. Meanwhile, the BJP has dismissed these claims as baseless, urging cooperation with the investigation to bring criminals to justice.

(With inputs from agencies.)