Bhubaneswar, Oct. 22 -- In a deeply emotional response to the breakthrough in the murder case of senior advocate and BJP leader Pitabas Panda from Ganjam district, his family expressed their shock on Wednesday over the involvement of four persons they considered close.

Speaking to the media, Pitabas's younger brother said, "We are shocked. The four people now named as prime accused - Bikram Panda, Pintu Das, Madan Dalei, and Malay Bisoyi - were all very close to my brother."

The family never imagined that such a betrayal could happen, especially from those whom Pitabas had introduced and trusted personally.

"It was Pitabas Panda who helped them connect and build relationships. My brother was instrumental in making them popular figures....