In a major security breach at Sassoon General Hospital in Pune, a 26-year-old man accused under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act escaped from police custody on Monday evening. The accused, identified as Sunny Gautam Kuchekar, fled from the Intensive Care Unit ward on the hospital's second floor.
Escape Route Through Bamboo Scaffolding
Police officials confirmed that Kuchekar escaped through a bathroom window around 5 PM. He then climbed down bamboo scaffolding that construction workers had erected along the hospital wall. This scaffolding was part of ongoing plaster repair work at the government-run medical facility.
Hospitalization Preceding Escape
Kuchekar was originally lodged at Yerawada Central Prison under judicial custody. Authorities transferred him to Sassoon Hospital's prisoner ward around 1 PM on Monday after he complained of health issues. Medical staff moved him to the ICU around 3 PM when he experienced a seizure. Doctors directed this transfer for closer monitoring.
The escape came to light shortly after 5 PM when hospital staff noticed his absence. Senior police officers immediately launched a coordinated search operation. Officials from Panchgani police station in Satara district received notification since they originally registered the POCSO case against Kuchekar.
Pattern of Escapes from Sassoon Hospital
This incident marks at least the thirteenth escape from police custody at Sassoon Hospital since August 2010. Between 2010 and March 2025, authorities documented twelve similar cases. The most notable previous escape involved Mephedrone cartel kingpin Lalit Patil in October 2023.
Security Overhaul After Previous Incidents
Following Patil's escape, hospital administrators implemented significant security upgrades. Nine police officers faced suspension while two received dismissal for security lapses. The state government ordered Sassoon Hospital to dismantle its previous prison oversight committee.
A new committee comprising department heads now monitors prisoner admissions. Additionally, authorities established a dedicated police chowky on hospital premises. This security post features officer and constabulary staff deployed around the clock.
Current Investigation Status
Bundgarden police station officers continue investigating how Kuchekar managed to escape despite these enhanced security measures. The ongoing probe examines whether hospital staff or police personnel neglected their duties. Search teams are combing Pune and surrounding areas for the escaped accused.
This latest escape raises serious questions about security protocols at medical facilities housing prisoners. It highlights persistent vulnerabilities even after substantial security overhauls following previous incidents.
