Berhampur, October 29: Former Berhampur mayor Shibashankar Das, alias Pintu Das – the prime accused in the Peetabas Panda murder case – will be transferred from Berhampur Circle Jail to Phulbani Jail. The Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate (SDJM) Court has granted permission for the transfer, citing serious security concerns.
Pintu Das is currently lodged in Berhampur Jail. However, several inmates convicted in the 2013 Shanti Mishra murder case – including Satish Mishra alias Mauj, who was sentenced to life imprisonment – are also housed in the same facility. Authorities fear these individuals, considered adversaries of Das, pose a direct threat to his life.
The jail administration moved the court seeking the transfer, and the public prosecutor highlighted the security risks. The SDJM Court, after hearing both sides, approved the request, noting that court appearances can continue seamlessly via video conferencing (VC) and would cause no procedural hindrance.
Pintu Das’s wife, Asha Das, had filed a petition opposing the transfer. The court, however, overruled the objection, stating that VC hearings eliminate any logistical issues.
In the Peetabas Panda murder case, 14 individuals have been arrested so far. Pintu Das will be moved to Phulbani under strict security, jail authorities confirmed.
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