Pune: The unclaimed object discovered on Wednesday night beneath the washbasin of a washroom near the ICU of Usha Kiran Hospital in Hadapsar was identified as an improvised explosive device (IED), with its timer set to detonate at midnight. The Pune city police detained 16 individuals on Thursday, including a medical representative, for questioning after reviewing CCTV footage from the hospital and surrounding areas. All were released following interrogation.
Case Registered Under BNS Sections
The Hadapsar police filed 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 have been deployed in Hadapsar.
Details of 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 lacked shrapnel. Forensic experts have collected samples. As of now, it is unknown whether the bomb contained any explosives, and if so, what type. We also do not know who planted the bomb or the motive."
No Terror Angle Suspected
CP Kumar added, "So far, there is no indication of a terror angle. We are examining other possibilities."
Hospital Staff's Quick Action
Dr. Vilas Gaikwad of Usha Kiran Hospital recounted to 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 outside the hospital to an open space, as the timer indicated several hours until detonation. I then alerted 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 Hadapsar Gliding Centre's open site around 10 PM.
Hospital Background
Dr. Gaikwad has operated the 50-bed Usha Kiran Hospital since 1987. He and his family reside on the top floor. When asked about potential animosity or grievances from patients, Dr. Gaikwad said, "Some people become angry after recovery, but I don't believe anyone would plant a bomb in my hospital. I have no rivalries either."
