Pune: The unclaimed object discovered on Wednesday night beneath the washbasin of a restroom adjacent to the ICU of Usha Kiran Hospital in Hadapsar has been identified as an improvised explosive device (IED), with its detonation timer programmed for midnight.
Police Detain 16 for Questioning
The Pune city police on Thursday detained 16 individuals, including a medical representative, for interrogation after reviewing CCTV footage from the hospital and its surroundings. All were subsequently released following questioning.
Case Registered Under BNS Sections
The Hadapsar police have registered a case under sections 109 (attempted murder), 125 (rash and negligent act endangering human life or personal safety), and 288 (negligent conduct with respect to explosive substances) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) after the object was confirmed to be an IED. Teams from the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and other agencies are currently stationed in Hadapsar.
Police Commissioner Details the IED
Pune Commissioner of Police Amitesh Kumar stated, “The IED consisted of four white elongated gelatin sticks, a printed circuit board (PCB), a timer, a battery circuit, a sensor, wires, and a small detonator. The explosion was timed for midnight. The bomb did not contain shrapnel. Forensic experts have collected samples. At present, it is unknown whether the bomb contained explosives, and if so, what type. We also do not know who planted the bomb in the hospital or the motive behind it.”
No Terror Angle Suspected Yet
CP Kumar added, “So far, there is no indication of a potential terror angle. We are exploring other theories.”
Hospital Staff's Quick Action
Dr. Vilas Gaikwad of Usha Kiran Hospital told TOI, “During our daily routine round, we spotted the bomb under the washbasin. The timer was ticking. Without panicking, I placed the bomb in a cardboard box. My administrative officer then carried it out of the hospital and placed it in an open space, as the timer indicated several hours until detonation. Subsequently, I called the police.”
Senior police officers and the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) retrieved the IED using robots. The BDDS later defused it through a controlled explosion at the open site of the Hadapsar Gliding Centre around 10 PM.
Hospital Founder's Response
Dr. Gaikwad, who has been running the 50-bed Usha Kiran Hospital since 1987 and resides with his family on the top floor, was asked about possible animosity. He replied, “Some people get angry after recovery, but I do not believe anyone would place a bomb in my hospital. I have no rivalry with anyone either.”
