Bhubaneswar, May 28, ( OT Webdesk)– The much-awaited verdict in the Patnagarh parcel bomb explosion case has finally been delivered. The Additional District Court of Patnagarh has found Punjilal Meher guilty and sentenced him to life imprisonment, along with a fine of ₹50,000.
The tragic incident occurred on February 23, 2018, when a parcel bomb exploded, leading to the death of newlywed Soumya Sekhar and his mother, Jemamani.
The blast, which took place shortly after Soumya received a package, left his wife injured and sent shockwaves across Odisha.
Investigations revealed that the crime was motivated by professional rivalry between Punjilal Meher, a former college lecturer, and the victim’s mother, who had replaced him as principal.
Meher allegedly spent months researching bomb-making techniques online, including YouTube tutorials, before executing his plan.
Over the course of seven years, the case saw extensive investigations. Police gathered substantial evidence, including digital footprints linking Meher to the crime.
A total of 62 witnesses testified, and the Crime Branch submitted a 2,000-page charge sheet before the court finally reached its decision.
Legal experts see the verdict as a significant moment in Odisha’s criminal justice system. The ruling not only brings justice to the victims’ families but also underscores the dangers of unchecked online information aiding criminal activities.
