Court Rejects Shiv Sena Corporator Ramesh Mhatre’s Virtual Appearance Plea in Dombivli Hospital Assault Case

Kalyan: A local court on Thursday rejected Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Sukrya Mhatre's request to appear through video conferencing in the alleged assault case involving doctors and nurses at Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation's Shastri Nagar Hospital, directing that he must be produced physically before the court.

According to Dombivli Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Suhas Hemade, Mhatre, the principal accused, was transported to Thane Civil Hospital after his arrest because of health concerns. 

According to police, no further legal action will be taken until medical reports are obtained and physicians attest to his fitness.

According to Hemade, Mhatre was taken into custody in relation to the case filed at the Vishnunagar Police Station under Sections 132 and 121(1). 

Thus far, four suspects have been taken into custody. According to the ACP, a disagreement over how to handle a pregnant woman preceded the alleged attack.

"There are approximately four accused involved in this assault case, including one woman. The incident stemmed from a dispute regarding the treatment of a female patient who had arrived at the hospital; the accused accompanied the patient's relatives. They assaulted the on-duty doctor, a female doctor, and a nurse, subjecting them to physical violence, verbal abuse, and threats," Hemade said, adding that legal action would be taken against those involved.

According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Atul Zende, three suspects were taken into custody shortly after the FIR was filed and given a two-day remand. 

"Additionally, we have arrested the fourth accused in this case, namely Ramesh Mhatre, and we are proceeding in this case as per the provisions," he stated.

Doctors went on strike in response to the incident, claiming "complete lawlessness," and medical organisations called for prompt action and the arrest of all those involved. 

In the meantime, a delegation from the Indian Medical Association met with Sadanand Date, the Maharashtra Director General of Police. 

According to Dr Santosh Kadam, Date promised to strictly enforce the Maharashtra Medical Service Persons and Medical Service Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage or Loss to Property) Act in police stations.

Mhatre, four male supporters, and a lady have been charged by police under Sections 132, 121(1), 351(1), 352, 189(2), and 191(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.