Balangir: Presentation of physical evidence from the defence side in the parcel bomb case concluded on Saturday in the additional district and sessions judge (ADJ) court in Patnagarh, Balangir district. The court will now proceed with the final arguments from both the prosecution and defence after May 5. The progress follows a directive from the Supreme Court, which has instructed that a final verdict in the 2018 murder case must be delivered before June 17.
The case dates back to Feb 23, 2018, when a parcel bomb delivered to the residence of 26-year-old software engineer Soumya Sekhar Sahu exploded just few days after his wedding. The blast killed Soumya and his great aunt, Jamamani Sahu, and left his wife, Reema Sahu, critically injured.
Following an extensive investigation, police arrested Punjilal Meher, a colleague of Soumya’s mother, who had succeeded him at Jyoti Vikash College, Bhainsa where she was employed as a lecturer.
Defence lawyer Promod Mishra stated that the case has now reached its final stage following the submission of the last evidence by the defence. “We have presented three witnesses, including the accused. The prosecution has submitted 62 physical evidence,” Mishra said.
He further informed the court that the defence had sought key documents from the college, where both the accused and the victim’s mother worked. “However, the institute has not provided the requested records. We have pleaded with the court to obtain those documents, and the matter will be heard on May 5,” he added.
Prosecution lawyer Ashis Kumar Chandan confirmed that the defence concluded its presentation with the final witness, a neighbour of the accused. “We anticipate the court may deliver its verdict before June 17, following the conclusion of final arguments,” he said.
Meher is currently lodged in Balangir district jail and participated in the court proceedings via virtual mode.