Bombay HC Slams Palghar Police Over Hospital Vandalism Probe

The Bombay High Court on Wednesday reprimanded the Palghar police for their inefficient and casual approach to investigating the case of vandalism and assault on medical staff at a private hospital in Palghar. The incident occurred between September 5 and 6 at Relief Hospital, where injured Govindas who had participated in the Dahi Handi celebrations were being treated.

A bench of Justices Ajey Gadkari and Kamal Khata expressed disappointment with the police's handling of the case, stating that the manner of investigation reflected the police's laxity. The court questioned why the police had failed to trace and arrest the nine absconding accused, despite having registered an FIR.

The Palghar Superintendent of Police, Yatish Deshmukh, informed the court that only one accused, Shiv Sena's Eknath Shinde faction city chief Rahul Gharat, had been arrested and was in police custody. The remaining nine named accused were absconding, and the court asked why the police had not taken action to apprehend them.

The bench also drew attention to the police's failure to learn from a similar incident in Thane, where doctors were allegedly assaulted at a civic hospital. The court warned that if the Palghar police were not interested in investigating the matter, it would consider handing over the probe to the Mumbai Crime Branch.

The court's criticism of the police's handling of the case was not limited to the investigation itself. The bench also expressed displeasure over the manner in which the case diary was maintained and directed the public prosecutor to speak to the Director General of Police about action against the officers concerned.

The incident at Relief Hospital involved 17 persons, including Shiv Sena district chief Kundan Sankhe and the son of MLA Rajendra Gavit, who were booked for vandalism and assault on medical staff. The court's intervention in the case highlights the need for a thorough and efficient investigation into the incident.

The Bombay High Court's warning to the Palghar police serves as a reminder of the importance of taking sensitive cases seriously and conducting thorough investigations. The court's decision to consider handing over the probe to the Mumbai Crime Branch if the police fail to take action underscores the gravity of the situation.

In recent times, there have been several incidents of violence against medical staff in Maharashtra, and the court's intervention in this case is a step towards ensuring that such incidents are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly. The Palghar police must take immediate action to apprehend the absconding accused and conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.

The case has sparked concern among the medical community, with many doctors and medical staff expressing fear and anxiety about their safety while on duty. The court's decision to intervene in the case is a welcome move, and it is hoped that the police will take immediate action to address the concerns of the medical community.

In conclusion, the Bombay High Court's criticism of the Palghar police's handling of the hospital vandalism and doctors' assault case is a significant development. The court's warning to the police serves as a reminder of the importance of taking sensitive cases seriously and conducting thorough investigations. The case highlights the need for a thorough and efficient investigation into incidents of violence against medical staff and the importance of ensuring the safety and security of medical professionals while on duty.

The incident has also raised questions about the role of political parties and their leaders in such incidents. The fact that several Shiv Sena leaders, including district chief Kundan Sankhe, have been booked in the case has sparked concern about the involvement of political parties in violent incidents.

The court's decision to consider handing over the probe to the Mumbai Crime Branch is a significant move, and it is hoped that the police will take immediate action to address the concerns of the medical community and ensure that those responsible for the incident are brought to justice.

The case is a reminder of the importance of ensuring the safety and security of medical professionals while on duty. The medical community has a right to work in a safe and secure environment, and it is the responsibility of the authorities to ensure that this right is protected.

The Bombay High Court's intervention in the case is a welcome move, and it is hoped that the police will take immediate action to address the concerns of the medical community. The case highlights the need for a thorough and efficient investigation into incidents of violence against medical staff and the importance of ensuring the safety and security of medical professionals while on duty.