Former College Principal Sentenced to Life for Deadly 'Wedding Bomb' Attack in India

The life sentence follows the 2018 incident where a bomb disguised as a wedding gift was sent to Soumya Sekhar Sahu’s home, resulting in tragedy for his family. The court acknowledged the gravity of the crime but refrained from imposing the death penalty.

In a disturbing case that captured national attention, a former college principal in Odisha has been sentenced to life imprisonment for his role in a deadly parcel bomb explosion that occurred in 2018. Punjilal Meher, 56, was found guilty of murder, attempted murder, and the use of explosives in connection with the "wedding bomb" case that tragically claimed the lives of a newlywed husband and his great aunt.

The incident took place just days after the wedding of Soumya Sekhar Sahu, a 26-year-old software engineer. A package, disguised as a wedding gift and addressed to him, was delivered to their home in Patnagarh. When Soumya’s wife, Reema, opened the package, a deadly explosion ensued, killing Soumya and his 85-year-old great-aunt Jemamani Sahu and severely injuring Reema.

While the prosecution characterized the incident as a "heinous" crime, the court opted not to classify it as deserving of the death penalty. This case has drawn significant media coverage, including an investigative series by the BBC.

The explosion occurred in February 2018 as the couple prepared lunch. With the package originating over 230 kilometers away in Raipur, Meher had sent the bomb while harboring a grudge attributed to professional rivalry. The explosives were concealed within a crude device wrapped in jute, rigged to detonate upon opening. Law enforcement officials detailed the intricate planning involved, as the package traveled over 650 kilometers through various hands undetected.

Initially, police had limited clues, but the investigation turned when an anonymous letter surfaced, hinting at deeper motives like "betrayal" and financial disputes. The letter went on to mention that three individuals were involved, prompting police to reevaluate potential suspects.

Evidence pointing towards Meher, who had previously worked at the same college as Soumya’s mother, eventually emerged. After being interrogated, he reportedly confessed to constructing the bomb from explosive materials sourced during local celebrations. His alibi crumbled under scrutiny, revealing his calculated efforts to obscure his involvement, including attending both the wedding and funeral.

This case serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of grudges and the extreme measures some may take, affecting lives irrevocably within intimate family circles. The repercussions of this tragic event continue to resonate throughout the local community and beyond.