Thane Court remands former Corporator in police custody for assault on woman doctor

A sessions court in Thane district has sent former Shiv Sena (Shinde group) Corporator Ramesh Mhatre to four days of police custody in connection with the assault of a woman doctor on duty at a hospital in Dombivli. The court’s decision comes after Mr. Mhatre, who had attempted to evade arrest by admitting himself to a hospital citing chest pain, was declared fit for custody following a medical examination.

The case stems from an altercation at the Shastrinagar hospital in Dombivli. According to the complaint filed by the woman doctor, the former Corporator entered the premises and assaulted her following a dispute regarding the treatment of a patient. A police case was registered against Mr. Mhatre under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code.

Following the registration of the case, police teams attempted to locate Mr. Mhatre for arrest. According to police sources, Mr. Mhatre approached a private hospital, CPR Hospital, and complained of chest pain. He was admitted to the facility. Police subsequently reached the hospital, and after a medical examination, the doctors at the hospital declared Mr. Mhatre medically fit. Police then took him into custody and produced him before a Magistrate’s court.

In Court, the prosecution argued for police custody to investigate the motive behind the assault and the sequence of events leading to the incident. The defense counsel opposed the remand. After hearing both sides, the court ordered Mr. Mhatre to be held in police custody for four days, with a subsequent hearing scheduled for July 13.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) and other local doctors’ bodies have welcomed the court’s decision. In a statement, the organisations demanded stricter laws and their enforcement to prevent attacks on medical professionals. They have raised the question of how doctors, particularly women, can continue to work in an environment where they face such assaults. The arrest and subsequent remand, according to the organisations, serve as a warning to others.

The incident has drawn criticism from across the political spectrum. Opposition leaders have attacked the State government, questioning the law and order situation. Aditya Thackeray, leader of the rival Shiv Sena faction, criticised the government, specifically targeting Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. He questioned why the police seemed to act with alacrity against ordinary citizens but show leniency towards members of the ruling alliance. He also criticised Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, accusing him of avoiding accountability by resorting to hospitalisation when political questions arise.

The case has drawn attention to the broader issue of attacks on healthcare workers in Maharashtra. Previous incidents have led to calls from the medical fraternity for a central law to protect doctors and hospital staff. The court’s decision in this case, where a former public representative is now in police custody, has become a point of focus for debate on accountability of public figures and the application of law.