Bhubaneswar, Oct. 23 -- In a major development in the senior advocate and BJP leader Pitabas Panda murder case, absconding accused Sudarshan Jena has surrendered before the Baidyanathpur Police Station in Berhampuron Thursday.

As per sources, Jena, who had been absconding for several days, was known to be a close associate of BJD leader Bikram Panda.

Jena is believed to have played a key role in the murder conspiracy. Those still on the run have been identified as Kurupati Bhuyan and Uma Bisoyi.As many as 12 people have been arrested in connection with the murder case so far. If Jena is arrested following his surrender, the total number of arrests will increase to 13.

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