Bar Council Of India Seeks SIT Probe Into Murder Of Odisha Bar Council Member

The Bar Council of India (BCI) has condemned the killing of Odisha Bar Council Member Pitabas Panda, and called for an SIT probe, witness protection, and time-bound prosecution.

In its statement, the BCI condemned the attack and stated that it was not merely a crime against an individual, but a direct assault on the independence of the legal profession and the rule of law in the State of Odisha.

"The safety and dignity of advocates are non-negotiable. BCI demands decisive, time-bound action from the State Government to bring every perpetrator and conspirator to justice, to protect witnesses and the victim's family, and to reassure the Bar that the State will uphold the rule of law," the statement read.

The Bar Council of India further called upon the Government of Odisha to constitute a Special Investigation Team headed by a senior IPS officer unconnected with the local police station, with a written mandate to complete the investigation in a time-bound manner.

"All perpetrators, conspirators, and facilitators must be apprehended without delay, custodial interrogation ensured where warranted, and recovery of weapons and digital evidence secured. Any lapses in beat intelligence, preventive action, or local station response must be examined immediately, with errant officials placed under suspension pending inquiry," it added.