Panda, 50 years old, was standing on the street near his home in Brahmanagar on Monday night, when the shooting took place. Two criminals arrived on a motorcycle and opened fire on the advocate.
Police sources have stated that Pitabas was a member of the Bar Council, and was also associated with the RTI (Right to Information) movement. Before joining the BJP, Pitabas was an active Congress worker in that area.
After the shooting on Monday, Pitabas was taken to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur. There, doctors declared him dead. Police have sent the body for post-mortem examination.
But why exactly was Pitabas killed? Police are investigating whether it was due to political reasons or if there was some other motive behind it.