Lawyer’s murder condemned; Supreme Court Bar Association Member Dr Lingaraj Sahoo joins protest, Statewide strike announced on October 8

Bhubaneswar(07/10/2025): The Odisha State Bar Council has expressed deep concern and outrage over the murder of senior lawyer Pitabas Panda from Berhampur in Ganjam district.

Council Chairman Sintashu Mohan Dwibedi condemned the incident, calling it shocking and unacceptable. The All Odisha Lawyers’ Association (AOLA) has announced that lawyers across the state will observe October 8 as a day of protest and abstain from court work.

AOLA President Gyana Ranjan Mohanty stated that this is not just about personal security but about the safety and dignity of the entire legal fraternity. “We will not remain silent,” he said, urging all advocates and legal professionals in Odisha to boycott court proceedings on Wednesday, October 8, and demanding immediate arrest of all those involved in the murder. The association has also appealed to the Chief Minister, Home Secretary, DGP Odisha, DIG Southern Range, and SP Ganjam to ensure swift justice and protection for lawyers. AOLA State President Bibhuti Prasad Tripathy also strongly condemned the brutal killing and demanded strict punishment for the culprits. In Bhubaneswar, members of the legal community and citizens gathered near the Lingaraj Temple in Old Town to light candles and offer prayers for the departed soul of Pitabas Panda. During the event, Supreme Court Bar Association member Dr Lingaraj Sahoo participated and firmly denounced the murder, demanding immediate arrest and exemplary punishment for the offenders. The protest and candlelight vigil were organized by Ekamra Bikash Mancha, led by its President Rashmi Mohapatra and Brahmin Nijoga President Narayan Mohapatra. Many lawyers, youths, and women participated in the program to express solidarity and demand justice. Pitabas Panda was an elected member of the Odisha State Bar Council.