Berhampur: The family of slain lawyer and BJP leader Pitabas Panda has alleged receiving death threats and pressure to withdraw the murder case.
Panda’s wife, Susmita Panda, made the revelation during a presser at her residence Saturday.
She alleged that a few days back, the accused persons’ associates had made threatening phone calls twice to Panda’s son and brother, hurling abuses and warning them to withdraw the case.
“They threatened to kill me and my son if we don’t withdraw the case,” Susmita said, adding that the family is living in fear.
She said the matter has been reported to senior police officials, and a written complaint has been filed at Baidyanathpur police station.
Susmita added that after her husband’s death, their family friend Bikram Panda had visited them, promising protection. “But later, police arrested him for his alleged involvement in my husband’s murder, which shocked us deeply,” she said.
Expressing concern for her family’s safety, Susmita urged the court not to grant bail to any of the accused. Pitabas’s elder brother, Prakash Panda, and younger brother, Purnachandra Panda, were also present at the press conference.
Police have registered a case based on their complaint, said Berhampur SDPO Priyasranjan Chhotray, adding that security has been provided to the family. Notably, lawyer Pitabas Panda was shot dead October 6.