Shiv Sena councilor Ramesh Mhatre remanded till July 13
Dombivali: A significant legal development occurred on Friday in the case of alleged assault on doctors and hospital staff at the Kalyan-Dombivali Municipal Corporation (KDMC)’s Shastrinagar Hospital in Dombivali, Maharashtra. A Kalyan court remanded Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) councilor Ramesh Mhatre and three other co-accused to police custody until July 13th. The court also directed the police to conduct medical examinations on Ramesh Mhatre every six hours during his detention, as his lawyer had cited health issues during the remand hearing.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage among doctors and healthcare workers across Maharashtra. The alleged assault on doctors, nurses, and other staff within a government hospital has raised serious questions about safety within the medical community.
According to reports, the incident occurred late Tuesday night at the government-run Shastrinagar Hospital in Dombivali. It is alleged that some individuals entered the hospital premises and misbehaved with and assaulted doctors, nurses, and other staff. The incident caused chaos at the hospital, and health services were disrupted for some time.
Upon receiving information about the incident, local police arrived at the scene and brought the situation under control. A case was subsequently registered at the Vishnunagar police station. Police have filed an FIR against five people, including a woman, under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
During the investigation, police detained Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) councilor Ramesh Mhatre, the main accused, and other accused. On Friday, all the accused were produced in court, where the police sought their remand for further investigation.
During the hearing, the defense lawyer informed the court that Ramesh Mhatre was suffering from health problems. Following this, the court granted police custody, but also directed that the accused undergo a medical examination every six hours to monitor his health. The court clarified that the accused’s health rights must be fully respected during custody.
Police say that given the seriousness of the case, all aspects are being investigated. Footage from CCTV cameras installed at the scene is being examined, and statements from hospital doctors, staff, and other eyewitnesses are being recorded. The investigating agency is trying to determine the circumstances of the incident and the role of each individual in it.
Following this incident, doctors and health organizations across the state have expressed outrage. Several medical organizations have demanded the safety of doctors and medical staff working in hospitals. They say that the frequent incidents of attacks on health workers in hospitals are a matter of concern and strict action should be taken against the culprits in such cases.
Experts believe that doctors and health workers work under constant pressure. In such circumstances, incidents of violence or assault within hospital premises not only demoralize the staff but also adversely affect patient care.
Police officials stated that the investigation into the case is proceeding expeditiously. The role of the accused will be evaluated based on all available evidence, electronic records, and witness statements. If the investigation reveals the involvement of others, legal action will be taken against them.
The hospital administration has also expressed concern over the incident, stating that it is essential to conduct medical services in a safe environment. Security arrangements at the hospital are being reviewed to prevent such incidents from recurring in the future.
As of now, as per the court order, Ramesh Mhatre and three other accused will remain in police custody until July 13th. During this time, the police will interrogate them and attempt to clarify all facts related to the incident. The investigation into the case is ongoing, and further legal action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.