‘Expected death penalty, but life sentence means he will suffer each day:’ Patnagarh bomb blast victims’ family

In a significant development, a family’s tireless pursuit of justice for seven years concluded with relief as Punjilal Meher, the main accused in the Patnagarh parcel bomb explosion, was sentenced to life imprisonment on Wednesday.

For seven years, Rabindra, the father of the victim Soumyasekhar, has been relentlessly seeking justice through the courts. Finally, today, his determination saw a sliver of relief with the court’s judgment. After seven years of relentless court appearances, Rabindra finally exhaled a sigh of relief as Punjilal Meher was sentenced to life imprisonment.

Long Road to Justice

Narrating the emotional burden the journey has imposed on him, Rabindra said, “I had lost everything; there seemed no path to live,” he stated. Initially hoping for capital punishment (hanged to death) to lend a swift resolution, he observed, “Even though it wasn't the death penalty I hoped for, the life sentence means he will suffer each day, like we suffered in these seven years.”

Mixed Feelings and Reflections

Soumyasekhar's mother articulated mixed sentiments. With tears, she questioned Punjilal's humanity, wondering whether he was a man or a demon.

“We had hoped for the death penalty; we believed it was certain. But the court has decided on life imprisonment. If he were hanged, he would have died at once, but now he will live out his life suffering,” her mother stated. 

“Our pain over the loss of my son and my mother-in-law has never faded,” she expressed, adding that while nothing can bring them back, justice was indeed served today.