Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has strongly condemned the alleged assault on medical staff at a hospital in Palghar, warning that those accused of taking the law into their own hands will not be allowed to continue representing the Shiv Sena.
The controversy erupted after several Shiv Sena office bearers were allegedly involved in a confrontation with hospital employees following the treatment of injured participants from a Dahi Handi event. The incident reportedly escalated inside the hospital during the early hours of September 6.
Reacting to the incident on Monday, Shinde described the alleged assault as unacceptable and made it clear that any dispute involving medical treatment should have been handled through the legal system rather than physical confrontation.
Shinde condemns assault on doctors and hospital staff
Addressing reporters, Shinde said that no circumstances could justify physically attacking doctors or other hospital employees.
“Beating up doctors or hospital staff is wrong. Even if there was any fault on their part, legal action should have been taken. If there was a provision to take legal action, that should have been followed,” Shinde said.
The Deputy Chief Minister also stressed that individuals cannot bypass the law simply because they believe a grievance has occurred. His remarks came amid mounting attention on the alleged confrontation and videos purportedly showing hospital staff being assaulted.
Shiv Sena promises action against accused members
Shinde indicated that the matter would not be limited to the police investigation and that the party itself would take disciplinary action against members found to have been involved.
“Those who have taken the law into their own hands are not authorised to represent Shiv Sena. The party will also take action against them, suspend them, and remove them from the party,” Shinde added.
The warning puts the spotlight on the conduct of local party functionaries and comes as police investigate the allegations against those involved in the hospital incident.
Dahi Handi event led to hospital rush
The dispute reportedly originated at a Dahi Handi celebration held near the Shiv Sena district chief’s office at Shivaji Chowk on the Palghar-Manor highway on September 5.
Several Govinda troupe members suffered injuries while attempting human pyramids during the festivities. The injured participants were subsequently taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.
Hospital authorities said seven injured people received treatment during the night. Two patients reportedly complained of chest-related injuries, while five others suffered injuries involving the head, spine and shoulder.
Doctors conducted diagnostic examinations, including CT scans and X-rays, on some of the injured individuals. In cases involving head and spinal injuries, patients were reportedly advised to remain under medical observation for 24 hours.
Dispute over treatment allegedly turns violent
The situation reportedly intensified over questions surrounding medical expenses and diagnostic procedures.
According to the allegations, several Shiv Sena office bearers entered the hospital at approximately 1:15 am and questioned medical personnel about CT scans conducted on injured patients.
The confrontation allegedly escalated, with a Shiv Sena city chief accused of slapping a hospital employee. A woman member of the hospital staff was also allegedly threatened during the incident.
Videos purportedly showing parts of the confrontation later circulated widely on social media, bringing the incident into the public spotlight.
Police case registered against 17 people
Following a complaint from the hospital, Palghar Police registered a case against 17 people in connection with the alleged incident.
The list of accused reportedly includes Shiv Sena Palghar district chief Kundan Sankhe. Police have invoked relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita as part of the investigation.
The case is now being examined by the police, while Shinde’s remarks signal that the Shiv Sena leadership is also prepared to take internal disciplinary measures if its office bearers are found responsible.
The incident has simultaneously raised concerns over the safety of medical workers and the treatment of hospital staff during disputes involving patients and their families. Shinde’s warning has added a political dimension to the controversy, with the government and the party facing pressure to ensure that disagreements over medical treatment do not turn into violence.
