A court in Odisha has sentenced Punjilal Meher, a 56-year-old former college principal, to life in prison for the 2018 "wedding bomb" incident that led to the death of 26-year-old Soumya Sekhar Sahu and his great aunt, while critically injuring his wife, Reema. The trial concluded that Meher was guilty of murder, attempted murder, and using explosives. The bomb, disguised as a wedding gift, exploded when the couple attempted to open it shortly after their marriage. While the court acknowledged the gravity of the crime, it did not deem it severe enough for the death penalty.
**Life Sentence for Former Principal in Infamous 'Wedding Bomb' Case in Odisha**
**Life Sentence for Former Principal in Infamous 'Wedding Bomb' Case in Odisha**
A former college principal in India is sentenced to life imprisonment for a deadly parcel bomb attack on a newlywed couple.
The tragic event unfolded in February 2018 in Patnagarh, Odisha, just days after Soumya and Reema's wedding. The parcel, sent from Raipur, appeared to be a gift but harbored a deadly devise rigged to detonate upon opening. An extensive investigation revealed that Meher had a personal grudge related to professional rivalry, meticulously planning the attack while utilizing a false identity to evade detection.
Initially, a long investigative process failed to yield suspects until a cryptic anonymous letter arrived, revealing inside knowledge about the crime and prompting police to reevaluate leads. Through careful analysis and public testimony indicating Meher's motives stemming from jealousy and rivalry, he was ultimately arrested and confessed under interrogation. Despite the heinous nature of the act, the court opted for life imprisonment rather than the death penalty, stirring mixed responses from the community regarding justice served.
This case, which captured national attention, highlights the complexities of personal conflict and the tragic consequences of unaddressed grievances, further fueling discussions about ensuring safety during celebrations.
Initially, a long investigative process failed to yield suspects until a cryptic anonymous letter arrived, revealing inside knowledge about the crime and prompting police to reevaluate leads. Through careful analysis and public testimony indicating Meher's motives stemming from jealousy and rivalry, he was ultimately arrested and confessed under interrogation. Despite the heinous nature of the act, the court opted for life imprisonment rather than the death penalty, stirring mixed responses from the community regarding justice served.
This case, which captured national attention, highlights the complexities of personal conflict and the tragic consequences of unaddressed grievances, further fueling discussions about ensuring safety during celebrations.
