Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) corporator Ramesh Mhatre was arrested on Wednesday in connection with the alleged assault on doctors and hospital employees at a Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) hospital. The arrest comes days after a video of the incident went viral, triggering outrage among the medical fraternity and prompting demands for strict legal action.
The alleged assault took place on July 6 at Shastri Nagar Hospital in Dombivli, where doctors had advised the family of a newborn to shift the infant to another hospital because the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) was operating at full capacity.
Altercation Followed Advice to Shift Newborn
According to hospital authorities, doctors Srishti Baviskar and Vaibhav Salunkhe informed the newborn’s relatives that specialised care was required elsewhere as no NICU beds were available at the civic hospital.
Police said the family later contacted corporator Ramesh Mhatre, who allegedly reached the hospital with several supporters. Investigators allege that an argument escalated into violence, during which doctors and hospital staff were assaulted. Dr. Vaibhav Salunkhe reportedly sustained injuries in the incident.
A video circulating on social media purportedly shows the confrontation inside the hospital premises and has become a key part of the investigation.
Police Arrest Corporator After FIR
Following complaints by doctors and hospital employees, police registered an FIR against Mhatre and five others under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
On Wednesday, police arrested the corporator from his residence. Further investigation is underway to determine the role of the remaining accused.
Mhatre Denies Assault Allegations
After his arrest, Mhatre denied assaulting the woman doctor. He maintained that he did not physically attack any doctor and claimed he merely pushed the mobile phone away to draw attention to the family’s complaint because, according to him, the doctor was speaking on the phone and not responding to them.
He also defended his actions, stating that he believed they had helped save the lives of the mother and newborn, while refusing to apologise over the incident.
Doctor’s Family Welcomes Arrest
The family of Dr. Srishti Baviskar welcomed the arrest but urged authorities to ensure a fair and transparent investigation.
Her mother said the doctor had only performed her professional duty by explaining the medical situation to the patient’s family and described the alleged assault as deeply distressing.
Political Leaders Condemn Attack
Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde strongly condemned the incident, saying violence against healthcare professionals is unacceptable. He stated that no individual who takes the law into their own hands would be protected and assured that strict legal as well as organisational action would be taken against anyone found guilty.
Leaders from the Opposition also criticised the incident, with Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) demanding strict action and questioning the government’s handling of attacks on doctors.
Medical Bodies Demand Better Protection
Medical organisations, including the Federation of All India Medical Associations (FAIMA), condemned the incident and reiterated that doctors should not be blamed for infrastructure shortages such as the unavailability of NICU beds.
The association urged the Maharashtra government to strengthen security for healthcare workers and ensure swift action against those responsible for the assault.
Why was Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre arrested?
He was arrested in connection with the alleged assault on doctors and hospital staff at KDMC’s Shastri Nagar Hospital in Dombivli.
What triggered the incident at KDMC Hospital?
Doctors advised the family of a newborn to shift the baby to another hospital because the NICU was full, leading to a dispute that allegedly escalated into violence.
Which hospital was involved in the incident?
The incident occurred at Shastri Nagar Hospital operated by the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC).
Did Ramesh Mhatre admit to assaulting the doctor?
No. Mhatre denied assaulting the woman doctor and claimed he only pushed her mobile phone while trying to draw attention to the family’s grievance.
What has the medical community demanded?
Doctors’ associations have demanded strict legal action, enhanced security for healthcare workers and protection against violence in hospitals.
