Pune: Undertrial Prisoner Escapes ICU at Sassoon Hospital, Security Lapses Questioned
Pune, 20th January 2026: Security concerns have come under the spotlight after a 26-year-old undertrial, facing charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, escaped from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Sassoon General Hospital on Monday evening.
Sunny Kuchekar, lodged at Yerwada Central Jail, was brought to the hospital earlier in the day after complaining of health issues. He reportedly suffered an epileptic seizure and was admitted to the ICU on the second floor, where he received intravenous medication.
Police sources revealed that Kuchekar exploited ongoing construction work at the hospital to flee. “Although police personnel were stationed outside the ICU, the accused went to the washroom around 5 pm, removed glass panes, and climbed down using a bamboo scaffold erected along the wall for construction purposes,” an officer said.
The escape came to light when Kuchekar failed to return to his bed. “Upon forcing open the washroom door, it was discovered that the accused had escaped,” the officer added.
Multiple search teams have been deployed to track and apprehend Kuchekar. The incident has raised serious questions about the adequacy of security measures for undertrial prisoners admitted to medical facilities, prompting authorities to review protocols.
