Political Conspiracy behind Bikram Panda’s Arrest in Pitabash Panda Murder Case, Alleges BJD

Bhubaneswar: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has strongly condemned the arrest of its Ganjam District President and former MLA Bikram Panda in connection with the sensational Pitabash Panda murder case, calling it a politically motivated move by the ruling BJP government.

Addressing a press conference at Sankha Bhawan, BJD vice-president and Chief Whip of the Opposition, Pramila Mallik, senior General Secretary and spokesperson Bhrugu Baxipatra, and media convenor Dr. Lenin Mohanty alleged that Bikram Panda has been framed to protect certain BJP leaders, including the Gopalpur MLA and current Minister for Mines and Transport Bibhuti Bhusan Jena, whose alleged links with illegal sand mining and the murder case have been under public discussion.

Mallik said that under 16 months of BJP rule, the law and order situation in Odisha has deteriorated, with Ganjam district topping the list of crimes.

“Ganjam has recorded 152 rape cases and 128 murders during this period. There have been 1,823 cases of atrocities against women. Illegal sand mining is rampant, and several incidents of violence have occurred due to it. The minister’s name has repeatedly surfaced in connection with this illegal business,” she stated.

She further pointed out that former BJP Zilla Parishad member N. Dumburu Reddy had written to the Chief Minister alleging Minister Bibhuti Jena’s involvement in the Pitabash Panda murder and demanded his removal from the cabinet.

“With these explosive revelations putting the BJP government on the back foot, the police have dramatically arrested Bikram Panda to divert attention and save the Minister,” she said, adding that the Ganjam SP failed to produce any evidence against Panda during his media briefing.

Bhrugu Baxipatra said the arrest was entirely “politically motivated” and aimed at maligning the BJD.

“Framing opposition leaders for political gain is BJP’s old habit. The so-called plot to link Bikram Panda to the Pitabash Panda murder is more dangerous and fabricated than the crime itself,” he said. He added that even the alleged ₹50 lakh deal mentioned by police had no money trail, proving the baseless nature of the case.

Dr. Lenin Mohanty said that the police are working at the behest of the BJP to falsely implicate BJD leaders.

“The BJD strongly condemns this politically motivated arrest and will take to the streets in protest. The people of Odisha will soon give a fitting reply to this injustice,” Mohanty warned.

The BJD reiterated that there is not a shred of evidence against Bikram Panda and termed his arrest as part of a larger conspiracy to influence the upcoming Nuapada by-election.