Patnagarh Parcel Bomb Case: Punjilal Meher Sentenced to Life After 7-Year Trial

After seven years of legal proceedings, the Additional District Judge (ADJ) Court in Patnagarh, Odisha, has sentenced Punjilal Meher to life imprisonment in the notorious parcel bomb case that horrified the state and the nation.

Punjilal Meher, a former English lecturer at Bhainsa Jyoti Bikash College, was found guilty and handed a life sentence along with a fine of ₹1.7 lakh. The verdict, delivered by Judge Sonali Pattnaik, marks the conclusion of a high-profile case marked by calculated brutality.

The incident occurred on February 23, 2018, when a parcel delivered to the home of Soumya Sekhar Sahu exploded during a post-wedding gathering. The blast killed Soumya (28) and his grandmother, Jemamani Sahu (80), while Soumya’s wife Reema Rani Sahu was severely injured.

Investigation Unveils a Grudge-Fueled Crime

The complex case, initially handled by local police, was later taken over by the Odisha Crime Branch. Under IG Arun Bothra’s leadership, investigators discovered that Meher had committed the crime out of revenge, targeting the Sahu family due to professional jealousy toward Soumya’s mother, Sanjukta Sahu, a fellow college staff member. Meher reportedly used online videos to learn bomb-making and mailed the device from Raipur to cover his tracks.

The prosecution, led by government advocate Ashok Chandan, presented a strong case with a 2,000-page chargesheet and testimony from 62 witnesses over 195 court days. Meher was found guilty of multiple charges, including double murder, attempted murder, use of explosives, and destruction of evidence. He received separate sentences for each, in addition to fines.

Despite a robust defense by senior lawyer Pramod Mishra, the court found Meher’s confession and the prosecution’s evidence compelling.

Emotional Closure for the Sahu Family

The judgment brought mixed emotions for the bereaved family. Soumya’s father, Ravindra Sahu, expressed partial relief, though he had hoped for the death penalty. His mother, Sanjukta Sahu, reacted strongly, calling Meher a “demon” who deserved to remain imprisoned for life.

Security was heightened around the courthouse as the verdict was announced, with large crowds gathering outside, reflecting the intense public interest in the case.

Mixed Public Reactions and Legal Significance

While many welcomed the life sentence, others believed a harsher punishment was warranted, given the calculated nature of the crime. The case, remembered for its shocking brutality, left a lasting impact on the local community.

The investigation is seen as a landmark in Odisha’s legal history due to the sophisticated forensic and technical methods employed. IG Arun Bothra’s swift and strategic efforts led to Meher’s arrest within two months, despite initial uncertainty about the suspect’s identity.

This case serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers of personal vendettas and the strength of India’s justice system. While justice has been delivered, the Sahu family’s pain endures.

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