Bomb Timer Found in Pune Hospital; Defused Safely

Low-intensity device in Hadapsar washroom sparks ATS probe amid fresh security concerns

A tense few hours gripped a private hospital in Pune's Hadapsar area this evening after staff discovered a suspicious bomb-like device in a second-floor washroom. Packed inside a cardboard box, the low-intensity explosive came with a seven-hour timer, wires, and rod-like objects—prompting a swift response from the bomb squad, which defused it safely at an open ground.

The find, around 7:30 pm, has triggered a full investigation by Pune Police, the Crime Branch, and Maharashtra's Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS). Officials are probing all angles, including possible terror links, as the city remains on edge following recent threats elsewhere.

Device Spotted in Hospital Washroom

Doctor Vilas Gaikwad, who first alerted authorities, described spotting the box while checking the facility. "It had rods connected with wires and a timer set to go off after seven hours," he told reporters outside the hospital. Staff evacuated the premises immediately, with no injuries reported.

Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar confirmed the bomb squad followed protocol to the letter. They rushed the device out of the building and to the gliding centre's open field, where it was neutralised without incident late evening.

Eyewitness Tips Point to Mystery Car

Local NCP MLA Chetan Vitthal Tupe, who reached the spot soon after, spoke of eyewitness accounts. "A car pulled up in the afternoon or evening, and a man got out briefly before driving off," he said. Police are now tracing the vehicle and questioning all hospital staff, from doctors to attendants.

Initial reports indicate the timer was active when found, raising questions about the planter's intent. Sources familiar with the probe said CCTV footage from the area is being scanned, though the hospital's own cameras missed the key moments.

ATS Steps In Amid Broader Fears

The ATS involvement signals how seriously this is being treated. "We're leaving no stone unturned—terrorism can't be ruled out," a senior officer noted, speaking on condition of anonymity. The hospital, which handles routine patient care, saw normal operations resume after clearance, but security has been beefed up.

This comes just days after suspicious materials turned up on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's route in Bengaluru. On May 10, during his visit for the Art of Living Foundation's 45th foundation day, police recovered gelatin sticks near Kaggalipura following a 7 am bomb threat call.

Bengaluru Echoes in Pune Probe

That Bengaluru incident unfolded quickly. A caller warned of a planted bomb, leading to the arrest of a man from Koramangala. Officers then found the gelatin sticks metres from the PM's convoy path. Three days later, on May 13, an electronic circuit and timer surfaced in a cardboard box at the same spot—items police believe the suspects failed to assemble.

Though unconnected so far, the Pune hospital device mirrors the Bengaluru box setup, fueling speculation. Karnataka Police suspect the Bengaluru materials were meant for a blast but abandoned.

Security Heightened Across Cities

For Pune's Hadapsar residents, the news hit close to home—a bustling suburb with clinics and homes packed tight. "We feel unsafe now," said one local shopkeeper, unwilling to be named. Hospitals citywide have been asked to stay vigilant.

Police haven't named suspects yet, but the joint probe aims to wrap leads fast. With timers in play twice over, Maharashtra and Karnataka authorities are sharing notes. Updates expected as forensics roll in.

Pune Child Rape and Murder Sparks Protests, Accused Arrested

A Pune child rape and murder case in Bhor taluka triggers outrage as police arrest a 65-year-old suspect and assure swift legal action

Gruesome Crime Reported
A shocking case of rape and murder of a four-year-old girl in Pune district has triggered widespread outrage, with police arresting a 65-year-old man accused of the crime. The incident occurred on Friday afternoon in Nasrapur village under Bhor taluka, where the child had been visiting her grandmother during summer holidays.

According to initial reports, the accused, identified as Bhimrao Kamble, allegedly lured the child while she was playing outside her grandmother’s house around 2 pm. He reportedly took her to a nearby cattle shed, where the crime was committed.

Body Found in Shed
Police said the accused attempted to conceal the crime by hiding the child’s body under a heap of cow dung inside the shed. When the child did not return home for several hours, her family began searching for her across the village.

After an extensive search, locals checked the cattle shed, where the body was discovered. The condition of the child left residents and family members in deep shock. Authorities were immediately informed, and a police team reached the spot shortly thereafter.

CCTV Leads to Arrest
During the investigation, officers scanned CCTV footage from nearby areas. In one of the clips, the accused was seen taking the child towards the shed. Based on this evidence, police detained Kamble and later placed him under arrest.

“Further interrogation is underway, and all angles are being examined,” a police official said, adding that forensic procedures are being carried out as part of the probe.

Villagers Stage Protest
The Pune child rape and murder case has sparked intense anger among villagers. Hundreds gathered near the crime scene, demanding that the accused be handed over to them. Some residents even refused to allow the removal of the child’s body until strict action was assured.

Villagers set up a sit-in near the cattle shed, and tensions escalated as crowds swelled through the evening. Senior police officials reached the spot to pacify the protesters and appealed for calm.

Highway Blocked
As protests intensified, locals blocked the Mumbai-Bengaluru highway, causing a major traffic disruption. Commuters were stranded for hours as police attempted to clear the route and negotiate with demonstrators.

Sandeep Singh Gill assured the protesters that a chargesheet would be filed within 15 days. He also said that the investigation would be fast-tracked to ensure justice.

Legal Provisions Invoked
Police officials indicated that stringent legal provisions would be applied in the case. Under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including those dealing with rape and murder of minors, the accused could face life imprisonment or the death penalty if convicted.

Additionally, provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act are likely to be invoked, further strengthening the case against the accused.

Similar Incidents Raise Concern
The Pune child rape and murder case comes amid growing concern over crimes against minors. In a separate incident in Raipur, a seven-year-old girl was allegedly raped during a wedding in the Tilda Nevara area on April 29. Police arrested the accused, identified as Rajkumar alias Raja Verma, following a complaint from the victim’s family.

In another case reported from Bhopal, a seven-year-old girl was allegedly lured from a park and sexually assaulted. The accused reportedly used inducements to silence the victim after the crime.

Calls for Stronger Action
These incidents have intensified calls for stricter enforcement of laws and faster judicial processes in cases involving crimes against children. Residents in Pune and elsewhere have demanded stronger preventive measures and increased vigilance at the community level.

As the investigation continues, authorities say maintaining law and order remains a priority while ensuring that due legal process is followed. The case is expected to remain under close scrutiny in the coming days.