Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre has been arrested in connection with the alleged assault on doctors and hospital staff at Shastrinagar Hospital, run by the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC). The arrest follows a police case registered against Mhatre and five others over the incident.
The violence took place at the municipal hospital in Maharashtra's Thane district after doctors advised the family of a newborn to shift the baby to another medical facility for further treatment. The recommendation reportedly led to an argument, which later turned into an alleged physical assault on doctors and hospital employees.
The controversy began on Monday evening after a video of the incident circulated widely on social media. The footage triggered public outrage, with medical professionals demanding strict action against those involved.
According to the police, corporator Mhatre and his supporters allegedly attacked two doctors and other hospital staff after the family of a newborn was advised to shift the baby to another medical facility for further treatment.
Action after IMA’s warning
Following mounting public pressure and objections raised by the Indian Medical Association (IMA), police registered a case against Mhatre and five others on Tuesday night. The IMA had warned that clinics and hospitals across the area would be shut if immediate legal action was not taken.
Shiv Sena MP criticises incident
Meanwhile, Thane Lok Sabha MP Naresh Mhaske, speaking from Delhi, distanced the party from the incident and said disciplinary proceedings had already begun against the corporator.
"The party has not supported the incident that occurred, nor will it ever support it. The assault was indeed committed by Mhatre. Even though he is a senior leader who has been elected five to six times, the party will not condone this behaviour," Mhaske stated.
He added that the party leadership had issued a show-cause notice to the accused corporator.
"The top leadership of the party will make the final decision regarding disciplinary action. Our disciplinary committee will decide on the exact course of action. Furthermore, the party will not interfere or hold back anywhere when it comes to legal action by the law enforcement agencies," Mhaske said, adding that the law must take its own course.
