The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested a man from Nagpur for allegedly planting a bomb at a private hospital in Pune. The incident, which occurred earlier this week, sparked panic among patients and staff, but the bomb was safely defused by the police before any casualties occurred.
Details of the Arrest
The accused, identified as Ravi Kumar, a resident of Nagpur, was taken into custody late Thursday evening. According to ATS officials, Kumar had placed an improvised explosive device (IED) in the restroom of the hospital's outpatient department. The bomb was discovered by a cleaning staff member who alerted the hospital security, leading to a swift response from the Pune Police and the ATS.
Investigation and Motive
Preliminary investigations suggest that Kumar may have been radicalized online. The ATS is probing his connections with any extremist groups. Officials stated that Kumar had visited the hospital multiple times over the past month, possibly to plan the attack. The motive remains unclear, but investigators are exploring personal grievances and ideological influences.
Response from Authorities
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis praised the ATS and Pune Police for their quick action. He emphasized the government's zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism and assured that all legal measures would be taken. The hospital has since resumed normal operations, with enhanced security measures in place.
Public Reaction
The incident has caused widespread concern among citizens. Local residents and hospital visitors expressed relief that the bomb was defused in time. Many called for stricter surveillance and community vigilance to prevent such incidents in the future.
Legal Proceedings
Kumar has been booked under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). He will be produced before a Pune court on Friday, where the ATS is expected to seek his custody for further interrogation.
This arrest is a significant success for the Maharashtra ATS, which has been actively working to counter terrorism in the state. The agency continues to investigate the case to uncover any larger conspiracy or network.
