A former college principal in Odisha, Punjilal Meher, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for sending a parcel bomb that killed a newlywed man and his great aunt in 2018. The tragic case, widely known as the “wedding bomb” incident, shocked the nation due to its brutal and unusual nature.
The Fatal Wedding Gift Explosion
The bomb was hidden inside what appeared to be a wedding gift, delivered to the home of Soumya Sekhar Sahu, a 26-year-old software engineer, just days after his marriage. When Soumya and his wife Reema opened the package, it exploded, instantly killing Soumya and his 85-year-old great aunt, Jemamani Sahu. Reema survived but suffered critical injuries, including severe burns and a punctured eardrum.
Investigation Reveals a Calculated Crime
After an extensive investigation, police arrested Punjilal Meher, a 56-year-old former college principal who had a professional rivalry with Soumya’s family. Meher meticulously planned the attack, mailing the bomb from Raipur, over 230 km away, using a false name and a courier service with no CCTV or scanning facilities. The crude but deadly explosive device was wrapped in jute thread and designed to detonate upon opening.
Breakthrough from Anonymous Letter
Weeks after the bombing, an anonymous letter to the police chief provided crucial clues, correcting the sender’s name on the parcel from “SK Sharma” to “SK Sinha.” The letter hinted at motives of betrayal and money disputes, suggesting involvement of three conspirators, and urged the police to stop targeting innocent people.
The letter’s handwriting and details matched the prime suspect’s profile, leading investigators to focus on Meher. Under questioning, he initially denied involvement but later confessed to constructing and sending the bomb, even attending the victim’s wedding and funeral to avoid suspicion.
Court Verdict and Aftermath
The court found Punjilal Meher guilty of murder, attempted murder, and use of explosives. While the crime was deemed heinous, the court ruled out the death penalty, sentencing him to life imprisonment instead.
This case remains one of the most disturbing incidents in Odisha’s recent history, highlighting the deadly consequences of personal grudges and meticulous criminal planning.
