A wedding, a parcel bomb and an English professor’s revenge – 7 years later, case that captivated Odisha ends in conviction

A wedding celebration turned into a nightmare in Patnagarh, Odisha, when a parcel bomb killed two people and injured another. After seven long years, the court convicted the culprit—Punjilal Meher, a former English professor. This tragic case revealed how professional rivalry can escalate into a deadly act of revenge.

The Deadly Wedding Gift

On February 23, 2018, Soumya Sekhar Sahu, a 26-year-old software engineer, received a parcel at his home. He believed it was a wedding gift. Unfortunately, when Soumya opened the package, it exploded. The blast killed him and his 85-year-old grandmother, Jemamani Sahu. His wife, Reema Sahu, suffered serious injuries but survived.

The peaceful wedding celebration quickly turned into chaos and grief. Neighbors rushed to help, but the damage was already done.

Investigating the Crime

Police immediately launched an investigation. They traced the parcel back to Raipur, a city in the neighboring state of Chhattisgarh. Inside the package, they found a letter addressed under a fake name, “S. K. Sharma.” This complicated the case.

However, the investigation took a turn when Soumya’s mother, Sanjukta Sahu, spotted a familiar phrase in the letter—“completing the project.” She linked this phrase to her former colleague, Punjilal Meher. Meher had once been the principal at Jyoti Vikas College, where Sanjukta was the headmistress.

The Motive: A Grudge Turns Deadly

The police uncovered that Meher held a deep grudge. He lost his principal position to Sanjukta Sahu, which fueled his anger. Instead of accepting the loss, Meher planned a deadly attack to seek revenge.

This wasn’t a crime of passion but a carefully calculated act. Meher used his knowledge and patience to execute the plan, showing how dangerous unresolved conflicts can become.

The Trial and Verdict

The trial lasted several years. The court examined forensic evidence, witness statements, and the letter that tied Meher to the crime. In 2025, the court sentenced him to life imprisonment.

Meher was convicted under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including murder and attempted murder. Additionally, he faced charges under the Explosive Substances Act. The judge imposed a fine of ₹1.7 lakh and ordered all sentences to run concurrently.

This verdict brought some relief to the grieving family and sent a strong message that such crimes would not go unpunished.

Community Reaction and Impact

The case shocked the local community. Many struggled to understand how a professional dispute could escalate into such a brutal attack. The Sahu family expressed sorrow but welcomed the verdict.

Sanjukta Sahu said, “No punishment can bring back our loved ones, but justice must be done.” The family also urged people to resolve conflicts peacefully and avoid letting grudges turn deadly.

Lessons Learned

This case highlights the dark side of workplace rivalry. It warns against letting bitterness fester. Experts suggest that mediation and counseling can help prevent such tragic outcomes.

Moreover, the incident raised awareness about the importance of security when receiving parcels. People have become more cautious about unexpected packages, especially after this tragedy.

Moving Forward: Strengthening Safety and Justice

Authorities have vowed to improve safety protocols to screen suspicious parcels better. They also plan to educate the public about potential threats to prevent similar incidents.

As Punjilal Meher serves his life sentence, Odisha hopes this case reminds everyone of the importance of forgiveness and peaceful conflict resolution.