📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / tiarescott from Beverly Hills, California, USA
Crime
Odisha Police Register New Case Against Ex-MLA Bikram Panda for Threatening Witness
✍️ orissapost.com
🗓 17 Sep 2026, 06:46 AM
👁 10
Odisha police have filed a fresh criminal case against former legislator Bikram Panda, accusing him of threatening a key witness in an ongoing investigation.
The Odisha police announced today that they have lodged a fresh case against Bikram Panda, a former member of the state legislative assembly, for allegedly intimidating a witness linked to an ongoing probe. The complaint was filed after the police received credible information that Panda had approached the witness with threats aimed at influencing testimony.
Investigators said the alleged intimidation could compromise the integrity of the case, prompting them to act swiftly under relevant criminal provisions. Panda, who served as an MLA from a constituency in Odisha, has previously been under scrutiny for unrelated matters, but this is the first formal charge relating to witness tampering.
The police have not disclosed the identity of the witness or the specific nature of the original investigation, citing procedural confidentiality. The new filing underscores the authorities' commitment to safeguarding the judicial process and deterring any attempts to obstruct justice.
Legal experts note that threatening a witness is a serious offence under the Indian Penal Code and can attract stringent penalties, including imprisonment. The case will now proceed through the regular criminal court system, where Panda will have the opportunity to defend himself.
The development has drawn attention from political observers, who view the action as part of a broader effort to enforce accountability among former public office holders.
Investigators said the alleged intimidation could compromise the integrity of the case, prompting them to act swiftly under relevant criminal provisions. Panda, who served as an MLA from a constituency in Odisha, has previously been under scrutiny for unrelated matters, but this is the first formal charge relating to witness tampering.
The police have not disclosed the identity of the witness or the specific nature of the original investigation, citing procedural confidentiality. The new filing underscores the authorities' commitment to safeguarding the judicial process and deterring any attempts to obstruct justice.
Legal experts note that threatening a witness is a serious offence under the Indian Penal Code and can attract stringent penalties, including imprisonment. The case will now proceed through the regular criminal court system, where Panda will have the opportunity to defend himself.
The development has drawn attention from political observers, who view the action as part of a broader effort to enforce accountability among former public office holders.