Patnagarh parcel bomb blast rerun in Chhattisgarh: Groom, elder brother dead; accused arrested 

In a chilling reminder of Odisha’s infamous Patnagarh parcel bomb blast case, an explosion of bomb laced home theatre system gifted by a jilted lover as a wedding gift to the bride killed the groom and his elder brother in Chhattisgarh. The incident was reported from Kabirdham district in the neighbouring state.  

According to an Indian Express report, the incident took place at Chamari village in Chhattisgarh’s Kabirdham district on Monday (April 3).

Reportedly, the accused lover identified as Sanju alias Sarju Markam, 33, has been arrested on Tuesday (April 4). He is a native of Chhapla village in Balaghat district in Madhya Pradesh. He is an auto mechanic by profession.

Officials said that when the victim, identified as 22-year-old Hemendra Meravi, was unwrapping the gifts a day after his wedding, he noticed that a “nameless present" box had a home theatre inside.

“As soon as Meravi tried to connect the music system to an electronic socket and switched it on, an explosion occurred, killing him on the spot," said Manisha Thakur, Additional Superintendent of Kabirdham district.

While Merawi died on the spot his brother succumbed to injuries at a hospital. Five others including a one-and-a-half-year-old girl were also injured in the explosion.

As per the Indian Express report, Sanju had learned to assemble bombs while in a quarry. The police have also traced the shop in Balaghat from where he had bought the music system.

During the investigation, the police found that since 2020 the bride was in a relationship with Sanju, who was already married and had two sons aged six and four years.

“Sanju had initially lied to the deceased wife that he was not married. After she realised the truth, she refused to marry him. But he kept threatening her to marry him,” the police said.

Reportedly Sanju had also threatened Merawi and the two had an altercation over the issue.

Meanwhile, police are verifying if Sanju had any previous criminal records but confirmed that he was not involved in any Naxal activities. He has been booked under Indian Penal Code sections 302 (murder), 307 (murder attempt), and 326 (grievous hurt) and under the Explosive Substances Act.