Today, 13 February marks the 14th anniversary of the devastating Pune bombing that shook the nation in 2010, claiming the lives of 18 individuals and injuring scores more. The incident, which occurred on February 13, unfolded at approximately 7:15 pm on the ground floor of a building in the Koregaon Park area of Pune.
The target of the attack was the renowned German Bakery, situated near the Chabad House and the Osho International Meditation Resort, both popular spots among foreign visitors. Shockingly, at the time of the blast, numerous foreign tourists were inside the bakery, further escalating the tragedy.
Responsibility for the bombing was claimed by two notorious terrorist organizations, Lashkar-e-Taiba and the Indian Mujahideen (Students’ Islamic Movement of India). It was revealed that David Coleman Headley, a Pakistani-American implicated in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, had a hand in orchestrating the Pune bombing.
Following a thorough investigation led by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and the National Investigation Agency (NIA), it was determined that the bomb utilized RDX, along with ball bearings, nuts, and bolts. The Maharashtra ATS, under the leadership of then-chief KP Raghuvanshi, spearheaded the probe into this heinous act.
In a significant development, Indian Mujahideen terrorist Himayat Baig was sentenced to death by a city court on April 18, 2013, for his involvement in the blast. The Maharashtra ATS charged Yasin Bhatkal, Mohsin Choudhary, Riyaz Bhatkal, Iqbal Bhatkal, Faiyaz Kagzi, Zabiuddin Ansari, and Himayat Baig in connection with the Pune bombing.
The tragic incident also served as inspiration for the 2019 film "India’s Most Wanted," directed by Raj Kumar Gupta. The movie chronicles the arrest and manhunt for Indian Mujahideen terrorist Yasin Bhatkal, with actor Arjun Kapoor portraying the role of an Intelligence Bureau officer.
As we reflect on this somber anniversary, let us honor the memory of the victims and reaffirm our commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms.
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