Patnagarh parcel bomb case: Accused Punjilal remorseful during interrogation while awaiting his fate

Punjilal Meher, once a respected principal at Bhainsa Jyotivihar College in Bolangir, continues to grapple with his role in the infamous Patnagarh parcel bomb tragedy. 

"I deeply regret the act. I should not have committed it," admitted Meher during interrogation.

Nearly seven years have reportedly passed since the explosion on 28 February 2018, yet the case remains a chilling reminder of vengeance turned catastrophe.

The Shocking Incident

On that fateful day, a seemingly innocuous parcel containing a bomb was reportedly delivered, causing a blast that shattered a family, particularly affecting the mother who witnessed the horror of her newlywed son's death. The parcel bomb was allegedly the result of Meher's vendetta, having allegedly lost his professional position to deceased Soumyashekhar's mother, Sanjukta Sahu.

"He (Punjilal Meher) has committed the rarest of the rare crime. He should be given exemplary punishment for it and hanged till death," said Sanjukta.

Confession and Investigation

In exclusive footage obtained by OTV, a Delhi-based expert interrogated Meher, who expressed deep regret and remorse for his actions. His acknowledgments provide insights into the motivations behind this heinous act, revisiting a dark chapter in Odisha's recent history.

Judgment Awaited

With nearly seven years of investigation and legal proceedings, the Additional District and Sessions Judge (ADJ) Court in Patnagarh has reserved its judgment. As anticipation builds, eyes turn to May 28 for the forthcoming verdict that could define Meher's fate.

Must Read: Patnagarh parcel bomb case: Exclusive video of Punjilal Meher recreating blast surfaces

"The defence has proved in its argument that a proper investigation into the incident has not been done by the investigating agency. The accusation against Punjilal Meher is proving more of his innocence. Fingers are raised on many other persons in connection with the case on whom the Crime Branch has not conducted any inquiry," said Punjilal's lawyer, Pramod Mishra.

"All the collected circumstantial pieces of evidence during the investigation have been produced before the court, and I am 100 per cent satisfied," said government lawyer Chittaranjan Kanungo.