POCSO accused escapes from Sassoon hospital, security lapse suspected

The accused, identified as Sunny Gautam Kuchekar, had been shifted to Yerawada Central Jail last week and was undergoing treatment at Sassoon hospital for epilepsy

A security lapse at Sassoon General Hospital came to light on Monday after an accused in a POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) case escaped from the hospital’s intensive care unit (ICU) in the afternoon.

Kuchekar was admitted to the medical intensive care unit (MICU) after being arrested by the Satara police in connection with the alleged kidnapping and sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl in December 2025. (HT FILE)

The accused, identified as Sunny Gautam Kuchekar, had been shifted to Yerawada Central Jail last week and was undergoing treatment at Sassoon hospital for epilepsy. Police and hospital sources said he escaped after removing glass panes of the ICU bathroom and climbing down using a bamboo structure erected along the wall for ongoing construction work

Kuchekar was admitted to the medical intensive care unit (MICU) after being arrested by the Satara police in connection with the alleged kidnapping and sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl in December 2025. According to the FIR, he had taken the minor under the pretext of marriage and was later arrested from Ambernath.

He had undergone a series of medical tests on Sunday.

On Monday, while under medical observation, Kuchekar reportedly managed to escape from the hospital. The incident has raised questions about security arrangements at the hospital.

Further investigation is underway.