Article:
In a case that gripped Odisha and captured national attention, an English lecturer has been convicted for orchestrating a deadly parcel bomb explosion disguised as a wedding gift. The incident occurred on February 23, 2018, in Patnagarh, Bolangir district, when a parcel addressed to Soumya Sekhar Sahu exploded upon opening, killing the newlywed and his grandmother, Jemamani Sahu, and severely injuring his wife, Reema Rani.
The Motive:
The mastermind behind the attack, Punjilal Meher, a lecturer at Jyoti Vikash College in Bhainsa, harbored deep resentment after Soumya's mother, Sanjukta Sahu, replaced him as the college principal. Determined to exact revenge, Meher meticulously planned the bombing, targeting Sanjukta's family. He crafted the bomb over several months, using online resources to learn bomb-making techniques. The parcel was sent from Raipur to avoid detection, and upon arrival, it was opened by Soumya, leading to the tragic explosion.
The Investigation:
The Odisha Crime Branch took over the investigation, uncovering compelling evidence against Meher. A video recording showed him assembling the bomb, and forensic analysis linked him to the materials used. Despite initial denials, Meher's confession and the overwhelming evidence led to his arrest and subsequent trial.
Legal Proceedings and Conviction
After an extensive investigation, Meher was arrested and charged with murder and terrorism-related offenses. The trial faced delays, but in January 2025, the Supreme Court directed the trial court to conclude the proceedings within a month. By May 2025, the court convicted Meher and sentenced him to life imprisonment.
FAQ
❓ What happened in the Patnagarh parcel bomb case?
On February 23, 2018, newlyweds Soumya Sekhar Sahu and Reema received a parcel at their home in Patnagarh, Odisha. It was disguised as a wedding gift. When they opened it, the parcel exploded, killing Soumya and his great-aunt Jemamani Sahu, and seriously injuring Reema.
❓ Who was behind the attack?
Punjilal Meher, an English professor and former principal of Jyoti Vikas College, was found guilty of planning and executing the attack. He harbored resentment towards Soumya’s mother, Sanjukta Sahu, who had replaced him as principal.
❓ What was the motive?
Punjilal Meher's motive was revenge. He was allegedly angry and humiliated after losing his position to Sanjukta Sahu and decided to retaliate by targeting her family.
❓ How was the bomb delivered?
The bomb was hidden inside a parcel wrapped as a wedding gift, sent under the fake name "S.K. Sharma." Meher took elaborate steps to cover his tracks, including traveling to Raipur to send the package, deliberately avoiding electronic trails like mobile phones.
❓ What charges were filed against Meher?
He was charged under multiple sections, including:
Murder
Attempt to murder
Criminal conspiracy
Terrorism-related offenses under the Explosive Substances Act.
❓ What was the outcome of the trial?
After years of delays and investigations, Punjilal Meher was convicted in May 2025 and sentenced to life imprisonment.
❓ Why did the case take so long?
Legal proceedings were delayed due to:
Complexity of the forensic and cyber evidence
The COVID-19 pandemic
Appeals and procedural lags
The Supreme Court of India eventually intervened, directing the trial court to conclude the hearing swiftly.
❓ How did the public and media react?
The case shocked the nation due to:
The brutal nature of the crime
The intellectual background of the accused
The unusual method of using a parcel bomb
It became one of the most talked-about cases in Odisha in recent memory.
Publish on may 28,2025 by :selvi