Shiv Sena Corporator Sent To Police Custody

A significant development has taken place in the high-profile assault case involving doctors and hospital staff at KDMC’s Shastrinagar Hospital in Dombivli. On Friday, the Kalyan Court remanded Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) corporator Ramesh Mhatre and three co-accused to police custody till July 13.

The case has triggered widespread outrage across Maharashtra's medical fraternity after doctors, nurses and hospital employees were allegedly assaulted inside the government-run Shastrinagar Hospital on Tuesday night. The Vishnunagar Police registered an FIR against five persons, including one woman, under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Ramesh Mhatre, the prime accused corporator, was arrested on Wednesday. However, shortly after his arrest, his health reportedly deteriorated, prompting the police to shift him to the Thane Civil Hospital for treatment. After being discharged from the hospital on Friday morning, Mhatre was produced before the Kalyan Court along with the other arrested accused.

During the remand proceedings, defence counsel Advocate A.Y. Patki informed the court that Mhatre was suffering from medical complications and requested that his health be monitored regularly while in police custody. The court accepted the plea and directed the investigating agency to conduct his medical examination every six hours during the period of police custody.

The court remanded Mhatre and the three co-accused to police custody till Monday, July 13, enabling investigators to continue custodial interrogation. Police officials told the court that the custody was necessary to establish the sequence of events, ascertain the role of each accused, and collect further evidence related to the assault.

According to investigators, the accused allegedly entered the hospital premises and assaulted doctors, nurses, and other hospital employees following a dispute. The incident sparked sharp criticism from medical associations, which demanded stringent action against those responsible and stronger security arrangements at government hospitals.

The alleged assault also led to protests by doctors, who condemned the attack on healthcare professionals and expressed concern over the growing incidents of violence against medical staff while on duty. The case has since attracted significant political and public attention.

Police officials confirmed that while four accused are now in custody, one woman accused remains absconding. A search operation has been launched to apprehend the absconding accused.

The incident highlights the growing concern over violence against medical professionals in Maharashtra. The state's medical fraternity has been demanding stronger security measures and stricter action against those responsible for such incidents.

In conclusion, the Kalyan Court's decision to remand Ramesh Mhatre and the co-accused to police custody is a significant step towards ensuring justice for the victims of the assault. The case has sparked widespread outrage and has brought attention to the growing incidents of violence against medical professionals in Maharashtra.