POCSO Accused Escapes from Sassoon Hospital in Pune
A man facing serious charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act managed to escape from a hospital in Pune on Monday evening. The incident has triggered a major police response across the city and surrounding areas.
Details of the Escape
Sunny Gautam Kuchekar, a 26-year-old resident of Panchgani in Satara district, fled from the Medical Intensive Care Unit ward of Sassoon General Hospital around 5 pm. Police officials confirmed the timing of the escape during their initial investigation.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajlaxmi Shivankar provided details about the sequence of events. "We have initiated the process to register an FIR against Kuchekar at the Bund Garden police station," she stated firmly. The police are treating this as a high-priority case given the nature of the original charges.
Background of the Case
Kuchekar was originally arrested on December 28 last year following serious allegations. A Satara police officer explained the circumstances of his initial arrest. "Kuchekar kidnapped and sexually abused a minor girl in Panchgani," the officer revealed. "Based on a complaint filed by the girl's mother, we registered an FIR under relevant sections of the POCSO Act and took him into custody."
After his arrest, authorities lodged him in Satara prison as an undertrial prisoner. However, his health condition reportedly deteriorated, leading to his transfer. "He complained of poor health and then we shifted him to Yerawada Central Prison," DCP Shivankar noted. From there, medical authorities moved him to Sassoon General Hospital for treatment.
How the Escape Unfolded
The escape occurred despite police presence at the hospital. According to Bund Garden police officials, Kuchekar asked to use the washroom within the MICU ward. The ward itself is located on the ground floor of the hospital building.
"He went to the washroom and locked himself inside," an investigating officer reported. Personnel from the police headquarters in Shivajinagar were stationed outside to guard him. However, they did not immediately enter the washroom area.
When Kuchekar failed to emerge after an extended period, police officers grew suspicious. They decided to force their way into the washroom. "We broke open the door and discovered that Kuchekar had removed the glass panel of the washroom," the officer explained. "He used this opening to flee from the hospital premises completely."
Current Police Response
Police authorities have launched a comprehensive search operation across Pune and neighboring districts. The Bund Garden police station is handling the formal investigation into the escape incident.
DCP Shivankar emphasized the seriousness with which police are treating this development. The original POCSO case involves grave charges against a minor, making Kuchekar's escape particularly concerning for law enforcement agencies.
Local residents in Panchgani and surrounding areas have been alerted about the situation. Police teams are following multiple leads and conducting thorough checks at possible hideouts. The hospital administration is also reviewing security protocols in light of this incident.
