What Happened in the 2018 Parcel Bomb Case? Odisha Court Sentences Man to Life Imprisonment
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a shocking conclusion to the 2018 parcel bomb case, the Odisha court has sentenced Punjilal Meher to life imprisonment for the deaths of Soumya Sekhar and his great-aunt. This case, which has captivated the nation, highlights the complexities of justice in heinous crimes. Will the victim's family pursue harsher penalties?
Key Takeaways
- The Odisha court sentenced Punjilal Meher to life imprisonment.
- The victims included a newlywed software engineer and his great-aunt.
- The crime was rooted in personal enmity.
- The explosion occurred shortly after the couple's marriage.
- The investigation was led by the Crime Branch.
Bhubaneswar, May 28 (NationPress) The additional district and sessions judge (ADJ) court in Patnagarh, Balangir district of Odisha, delivered its verdict on Wednesday in the notorious parcel bomb incident that resulted in the tragic deaths of a newlywed software engineer, Soumya Sekhar Sahu, and his 85-year-old great-aunt, Jemamani Sahu, on February 23, 2018.
The 26-year-old Soumya Sekhar’s wife, Reema Sahu, aged 22, also suffered serious injuries in the explosion that reverberated throughout the state and beyond in 2018.
According to the victims' attorney, Chittaranjan Kanungo, the accused, Punjilal Meher, received a life sentence from the court after being found guilty under sections 302 of the IPC and 3 of the Explosive Substances Act.
Meher has also been ordered to pay a total fine of Rs 1.70 lakh under various sections of the IPC.
“After seven long years of legal battles, the victims’ family has finally received justice. The court recognized the crime as heinous, but noted that not all heinous acts can be classified as the 'rarest of rare' crimes. However, the severity of the sentence is commendable and sends a positive message to society,” Kanungo stated.
Conversely, the victim's family had hoped for the death penalty for the convict, but the court opted for life imprisonment.
Soumya Sekhar’s father mentioned that they would discuss whether to appeal for capital punishment in a higher court.
Notably, this fatal event occurred just five days after the marriage of Soumya Sekhar and Reema in Patnagarh on February 23, 2018.
The investigation, led by then Inspector General of Crime Branch, Arun Bothra, successfully solved the case, leading to Meher's arrest in April 2018.
Authorities later disclosed that Meher committed the crime due to his longstanding enmity with Soumya Sekhar’s mother, Sanjukta Sahu, who had taken his place as principal of the educational institution.
The bomb, concealed within a parcel sent from Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh, detonated when Soumya Sekhar opened it at his residence in Patnagarh.
Despite his attempts to destroy evidence, Meher sent an anonymous letter to the Superintendent of Police in Balangir district to mislead investigators, leading to his eventual arrest.
Point of View
We recognize the importance of delivering justice to victims and their families. The life sentence handed down in this case serves as a reminder of the legal system's complexities. While the family sought capital punishment, the court's decision reflects a nuanced understanding of the law. Our commitment remains to uphold justice and advocate for the rights of victims across the nation.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the verdict in the 2018 parcel bomb case?
The Odisha court sentenced Punjilal Meher to life imprisonment for the deaths of Soumya Sekhar Sahu and his great-aunt, Jemamani Sahu.
Who were the victims of the parcel bomb?
The victims were Soumya Sekhar Sahu, a newlywed software engineer, and his 85-year-old great-aunt, Jemamani Sahu.
What motivated the crime?
The crime was motivated by a personal enmity between Punjilal Meher and Soumya Sekhar’s mother, who replaced him as principal at an educational institution.
Where did the explosion occur?
The explosion occurred at Soumya Sekhar's home in Patnagarh, Odisha.
What was the response from the victim's family?
The victim's family expressed disappointment over the life sentence and considered appealing for a harsher penalty.
