A man from Nagpur has been apprehended in connection with the alleged planting of a fake bomb inside Usha Kiran Superspecialty Hospital located in Pune. The accused, identified as Shivaji Rathod, purportedly took this action following a dispute over an exorbitant medical bill he received. The incident escalated after Rathod reportedly faced a bill of approximately Rs 7 lakh for his treatment related to a sexually transmitted disease, which he was unable to pay.

According to the Pune Police Commissioner, Amitesh Kumar, Rathod attended the hospital on May 10 seeking medical care. Following his treatment, he expressed feelings of being financially exploited by the hospital management, leading him to devise a plan to create panic within the institution.

Rathod allegedly intended to intimidate the hospital authorities and concocted a scheme to instil fear. He reportedly constructed a fake explosive device and placed it in a bathroom within the hospital premises to execute this threat.

Construction of the Fake Device

The police stated that Rathod assembled the device using imitation gelatin sticks and a timer clock, which he had procured for a mere Rs 150. Early assessments by the authorities revealed that the device bore a resemblance to an explosive, as it included elements that could mimic a real bomb, along with a functional timer.

Speaking after the incident, Pune City Police Commissioner Nitesh Kumar confirmed that a low-grade explosive improvised explosive device (IED) was found within the city. The bomb was subsequently defused in a designated open area, while investigations were initiated immediately to probe the matter further.

During the investigative process, law enforcement officials scrutinised the components of the device. They discovered that the fake gelatin sticks lacked an adhesive backing, which raised suspicions. To complete his contraption, Rathod allegedly purchased double-sided tape at a nearby stationery shop, making a UPI transaction of Rs 15. This seemingly minor transaction ultimately became a critical lead in identifying the suspect.

Arrest and Ongoing Investigations

Pune’s Anti-Terrorism Squad, alongside local police forces, utilised technical surveillance and digital analysis to create an electronic trail leading to Rathod. Their investigation enabled them to pinpoint his location in Nagpur, where he was subsequently arrested.

Authorities clarified that the object retrieved from the hospital was not a genuine explosive device; rather, it was a fake bomb intended to instil fear and exert pressure on the hospital authorities. The police have opened further lines of inquiry to ascertain whether Rathod acted independently or received assistance from accomplices, and whether he planned to stage additional threats.

With the investigation still ongoing, law enforcement is committed to ensuring all aspects of the case are thoroughly examined. The arrest of Shivaji Rathod serves as a reminder of the serious legal implications of threats and acts designed to induce panic, particularly in sensitive environments such as medical facilities.

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