Patnagarh (Balangir), May 28: In a high-profile verdict, the Additional District Judge (ADJ) court of Patnagarh in Balangir district has sentenced Punjilal Meher to life imprisonment for his involvement in the infamous 2018 parcel bomb explosion.

Meher, a former professor, was also fined ₹50,000 for orchestrating the deadly attack.

The tragic incident took place on February 23, 2018, when a parcel bomb detonated at the residence of Soumya Sekhar Sahu, a newlywed in Patnagarh, Odisha. The explosion led to the immediate deaths of Soumya Sekhar and his grandmother, Jemamani Sahu, while his wife, Reema Sahu, suffered severe injuries.

Investigations revealed that the crime stemmed from professional rivalry. Meher, a professor, allegedly sought revenge against his former colleague, Soumya Sekhar's mother, Satyabhama Sahu, who had replaced him as head of a local college.

In a chilling act of vengeance, he sent a parcel disguised as a wedding gift to Soumya Sekhar, which ultimately led to the devastating blast. Following extensive probes, the Crime Branch arrested Meher on April 25, 2018.

Over the years, the case drew national attention, with many calling for strict justice. Although, the court's decision to award Meher life imprisonment has been welcomed by some, many believed the punishment should have been harsher.

The verdict stands as a grim reminder of the extent to which personal vendettas can escalate into heinous crimes.

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