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.