Odisha Lawyers Protest: Demand Justice for Slain Advocate Pitabas Panda

Lawyers across Odisha halted court activities on Wednesday in response to the tragic murder of senior advocate and State Bar Council member Pitabas Panda, who was brutally killed in Berhampur. The statewide protest was organized by the Odisha State Bar Council, demanding swift justice and a thorough investigation.

Panda, also a prominent BJP leader, was esteemed in the legal community, having been elected to the State Bar Council with the highest number of votes. The council's president, Sitanshu Mohan Dwivedi, called for the immediate arrest of those responsible, compensation for Panda's family, and the enactment of the Advocate Protection Act.

Political leaders, including Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, have condemned the attack and urged law enforcement to act decisively. The Bar Council of India has requested the formation of a Special Investigation Team to ensure a prompt and transparent inquiry. Meanwhile, several bar associations in Odisha have organized rallies and protests to amplify their demands.

(With inputs from agencies.)