A Shiv Sena corporator from Maharashtra’s Thane district, Ramesh Mhatre, has been arrested in connection with the alleged assault of doctors and medical staff at a civic-run hospital. The incident occurred at the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation’s (KDMC) Shastri Nagar Hospital in Dombivli on July 6, 2026.
Assault Follows Dispute Over Newborn Care
The alleged assault took place after hospital doctors advised a family to shift their newborn to another facility due to a shortage of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) beds. According to reports, Mhatre and his associates arrived at the hospital following this advice. CCTV footage from the incident appears to show Mhatre and others assaulting doctors and staff. The medical professionals stated that the altercation involved punching and slapping.
The incident quickly garnered widespread attention and condemnation, particularly after a video of the confrontation went viral on social media. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) expressed outrage and threatened to close clinics and hospitals in the region if swift action was not taken by the authorities.
Corporator’s Arrest and Medical Condition
Following public pressure and the IMA’s warning, a case was registered against Mhatre and five others on the night of July 7, 2026. Mhatre surrendered to the Thane police on the evening of July 8, 2026, and was subsequently arrested. Shortly after his arrest, Mhatre reportedly complained of chest pain and kidney-related issues, leading to his admission to the Thane Civil Hospital. Police have stated that further legal proceedings, including obtaining custody for investigation, are contingent upon medical clearance from the hospital.
The Shiv Sena party has moved to distance itself from the corporator’s actions. Thane Lok Sabha MP Naresh Mhaske issued a statement clarifying that the party does not condone such behaviour and has initiated internal disciplinary proceedings, including serving a show-cause notice to Mhatre. Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has also reportedly reprimanded Mhatre over the incident.
Impact on Healthcare Workers
The assault has sent shockwaves through the medical community in Maharashtra. In solidarity with the assaulted staff, doctors and nurses across the state have engaged in protests, including wearing black ribbons during duty hours. Some medical staff at the Shastri Nagar Hospital have resigned, citing fear and a lack of security. One resident medical officer, who reportedly left the city after the incident, stated that he did not feel safe returning to work and vowed not to go back.
The police have registered a case against Mhatre and his associates under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Maharashtra Medicare Service Persons and Medicare Service Institutions Prevention of Violence and Damage or Loss to Property Act. Investigations are ongoing, with authorities assuring that the law will take its course. The incident has reignited discussions about the safety and security of healthcare professionals in India and the need for stricter measures to prevent violence against them in the workplace.
The Chenab Times News Desk