Final Verdict in Patnagarh Parcel Bomb Blast Case

Bhubaneswar: The much-discussed Patnagarh parcel bomb blast case has now reached its final verdict. The Additional District Judge (ADJ) Court in Patnagarh has found the accused, Punji Lal Meher, guilty and sentenced him to life imprisonment along with a fine of rs.50,000. This conclusive judgment comes seven years after the incident.

The case dates back to February 18, 2018, when Soumyasekhar and Reema were married in Patnagarh. Just days later, on February 23, while opening a parcel received as a wedding gift, a bomb exploded, killing Soumyasekhar and his grand mother . Reema, Soumyasekhar's wife, sustained critical injuries and was hospitalized.

Following an in-depth investigation, the Crime Branch arrested Punji Lal Meher, who was a college lecturer. He was alleged to have a professional rivalry with Soumyasekhar's mother, Satyajukta Sahu, who was the principal of the same college and also the victim’s mother. Motivated by this personal enmity, Punji Lal allegedly crafted the bomb himself and sent it disguised as a wedding gift via a courier service to her residence.

The final judgment delivered today is seen as the result of a long and thorough judicial process and a victory for justice. Punji Lal Meher will now remain in prison for the rest of his life.