Patnagarh Parcel Bomb Case In Odisha: SC Directs Trial Court To Conclude Hearing In A Month

Bhubaneswar: The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the trial court to complete the hearing in the infamous Patnagarh parcel bomb case in Odisha’s Balangir within a month.

The Apex Court after reviewing the bail application of accused Punjilal Meher has ordered that the proceedings be concluded within four weeks.

Earlier, the Orissa High Court had also instructed the lower court to expedite the proceedings within a specific timeframe. So far, testimony from 60 witnesses has been recorded, with two more witnesses yet to testify.

The incident had taken place on February 23, 2018, claiming the lives of two people. The explosion took place after a parcel containing bomb was delivered at the house of Professor Rabindra Sahu in Patnagarh town.

The blast killed Rabindra’s newly married son, Soumya Shekhar, and his maternal uncle, while Soumya’s wife, Reemarani, sustained severe injuries. The shocking incident sent shockwaves across the state.

The Crime Branch, which is investigating the case, arrested Punjilal Meher, a professor at the same college where Soumya Shekhar’s mother, Ayusha Sahu, worked. The final charge sheet has been submitted to the court, and Punjilal has remained in judicial custody since his arrest.

The case garnered significant attention due to the unusual nature of the attack — a parcel bomb sent through the post, leading to loss of life and widespread fear.