Up to 44 attorneys will represent former BJD lawmaker and Ganjam BJD president Bikram Panda in court, marking a significant development in the murder case of Pitabas Panda, a prominent advocate and BJP activist. Panda was just taken into custody in relation to the gruesome murder case.
Sources claim that the same group of solicitors will also defend Madan Dalai and corporator Malay Bishoyi, two of his cronies. According to sources, bail applications for the accused are anticipated to be submitted today, despite the fact that Vakalatnamas have already been filed.
After the SDJM court denied their bail request a few days ago, Bikram Panda and his friends are now detained. According to sources, the attorneys are therefore anticipated to resubmit the bail petition to the District Court.

For security grounds, the Berhampur jail administration has asked the court for permission to transfer another accused person, Siba Shankar Das, also known as Pintu Das, to a different jail. He will probably be moved to Kandhamal jail. 

Thirteen persons have been taken into custody in relation to the well-known case thus far. Kurupati, the key suspect who shot Panda, is still at large, nevertheless. In a similar vein, Uma Bishoyi, who is said to have assisted the gunmen, is still at large.

In a recent development, Berhampur Police apprehended Sunil Hota, another close aide of Bikram Panda, after they picked him up from Jeypore. Sunil was taken into custody for reportedly giving Kurupati refuge at his property following the incident.

Sudarshan Jena, Bikram Panda's business partner in his mining and transportation endeavours, has also been taken into custody by authorities. According to investigations, Sudarshan was aware of Bikram's commercial activities and the fact that he hired labourers for his businesses.

In an effort to find the remaining fugitive suspects and prosecute everyone connected to the murder, police are stepping up their efforts.