Pune: A device containing low-grade explosives was found on the premises of a private hospital in Pune’s Hadapsar area on May 13 evening, prompting a large-scale response from the police and bomb disposal teams, officials said.
According to officials, the suspicious object was spotted near a washroom inside the hospital premises. A doctor noticed the device, which reportedly had a digital clock-like object attached to it, and immediately informed the police control room.
Promptly after receiving the information, the Senior officials of the Pune City Police arrived at the hospital and conducted a thorough search of the premises. Meanwhile, the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) successfully defused the bomb. Meanwhile, the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) team also arrived to conduct further investigation. The police, ATS, and crime branch are conducting a joint investigation on all possible angles, including the possibility of a terrorist attack.
Speaking with the media, Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar lauded the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) for their work and said that the bomb was taken to an open ground at the gliding centre. He informed that the investigation is underway.
“Around 8 pm, we got some information that there was a bomb like device found on the hospital premises. The police team, along with the bomb disposal squad, immediately reached the spot. The bomb disposal squad carried this device after following due mandated protocols and took it to an open ground at the gliding centre. The bomb was successfully defused. The Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) team did a commendable job. All teams have been put in service to investigate the case. The Pune City Police, local police station, as well as the crime branch and the ATS teams, are jointly investigating… We are investigating the case from all possible angles. ATS is involved,” he said.
“The police and the administration have initiated an investigation into the incident, which involves a review of CCTV footage. All these aspects are currently being examined, and the police will disclose their findings once the investigation is complete. As of now, the identity of the person who planted the bomb remains unknown… However, certain individuals have come under suspicion. It is alleged that sometime in the afternoon or evening, a vehicle, possibly a rental car, pulled up and stopped at the location. A man stepped out of the vehicle, and subsequently, he returned to it before the car drove away from the other side. This account is based on the statements of eyewitnesses who observed the incident. The police are currently investigating these claims as well,” he said. Further details are awaited as the investigation continues.
(With inputs from ANI)
