The Shiv Sena has publicly distanced itself from corporator Ramesh Mhatre following his arrest in the alleged assault on a woman doctor and other medical staff at a Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) hospital, signalling that the party will not defend his actions.
The controversy erupted after a video showing the alleged assault at Shastri Nagar Hospital in Thane district circulated widely on social media, triggering outrage among the medical fraternity and political leaders. The footage purportedly shows Mhatre physically attacking doctors during an argument over the treatment of a newborn patient.
Shiv Sena Makes Its Stand Clear
Speaking at Vidhan Bhavan on Thursday, Maharashtra Industries Minister Uday Samant said Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had already reprimanded the accused corporator and made it clear that violence against healthcare workers would not be tolerated. He said, “Our party’s line is very clear. It is inappropriate to hit a woman doctor. Many in the Shiv Sena, as well as the state health minister, have stressed that such an assault was wrong. There was no political intervention, which means we are not endorsing his action.”
His remarks underline the party’s attempt to distance itself from the incident amid growing criticism.
What Triggered the Assault?
According to the police, the incident took place on Monday evening after doctors Srishti Bawiskar and Vaibhav Salunkhe informed the relatives of a newborn that the baby needed to be shifted to another hospital because there were no vacant beds in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
Investigators said the family later contacted corporator Ramesh Mhatre, who allegedly reached the hospital along with his supporters and assaulted the doctors and medical staff during the confrontation.
Corporator Denies Allegations
While the video has sparked widespread condemnation, Mhatre has denied assaulting the woman doctor, claiming the CCTV footage does not accurately reflect what happened inside the hospital.
However, the incident has drawn criticism not only from Opposition parties but also from within the Shiv Sena.
Show-Cause Notice Issued
The party has initiated disciplinary proceedings against the corporator. Earlier, Thane MP Naresh Mhaske confirmed that the Shiv Sena leadership had issued a show-cause notice to Mhatre.
Apart from the corporator, three of his associates have also been arrested in connection with the alleged assault.
Political and Medical Community Reacts
The episode has intensified demands for stronger protection for healthcare professionals working in government hospitals. Medical associations have condemned the attack, while political leaders across party lines have said violence against doctors cannot be justified under any circumstances.
With Shiv Sena leaders publicly criticising the accused corporator and distancing the party from the incident, the case has become a significant political issue in Maharashtra, adding pressure on authorities to ensure a fair investigation and accountability.
Why did Eknath Shinde reprimand Ramesh Mhatre?
According to Industries Minister Uday Samant, the Deputy Chief Minister reprimanded the Shiv Sena corporator after he was arrested in the alleged assault on a woman doctor.
Where did the incident occur?
The alleged assault took place at Shastri Nagar Hospital operated by the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation in Thane district.
Why did the dispute begin?
Doctors reportedly advised the family of a newborn to shift the baby to another hospital because there was no bed available in the NICU.
Has Shiv Sena taken action?
Yes. The party has issued a show-cause notice to corporator Ramesh Mhatre and has publicly distanced itself from his actions.
How many people have been arrested?
Police have arrested Ramesh Mhatre and three of his associates in connection with the alleged assault.
