Overview
- Police said Thursday they detained six people, including a suspected mastermind, from outside Odisha for questioning in the case.
- The development follows the arrest in Bihar of two suspects linked to the October 6 shooting, identified by police as an alleged sharpshooter and a reconnaissance aide.
- A Berhampur special team tracked leads across Bihar, Delhi and Kolkata before raiding a hideout and transferring the arrested duo to Odisha for interrogation.
- Preliminary findings indicate a planned hit as investigators examine a possible contract killing and follow financial trails to identify any conspirators or financiers.
- A close associate of Panda and a local businessman have been repeatedly questioned, and the BJP Ganjam unit has scheduled a condolence meeting for October 17.