Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre and 10 others have been booked for allegedly assaulting doctors at the KDMC (Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation) Hospital in Thane, Maharashtra. The incident occurred late on July 7, 2026, when a group of individuals, including Mhatre, allegedly barged into the hospital and attacked medical staff following a disagreement over the treatment of a patient.
Details of the Incident
According to the police, the altercation began when the relatives of a patient, who was undergoing treatment at the hospital, became agitated over the medical procedures being administered. Mhatre, who represents the local Shiv Sena party, allegedly intervened on behalf of the relatives and confronted the doctors. The situation escalated, leading to Mhatre and his associates physically assaulting the doctors on duty.
The doctors at KDMC Hospital reported that the attackers used abusive language and threatened them before resorting to violence. Several doctors sustained minor injuries in the scuffle, though none required hospitalization. The hospital authorities immediately alerted the local police, who arrived at the scene and registered a case against Mhatre and 10 unidentified individuals.
Legal Action and Charges
The Thane police have filed a First Information Report (FIR) under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including assault, criminal intimidation, and unlawful assembly. The charges also include provisions of the Maharashtra Medicare Service Persons and Medicare Service Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage or Loss to Property) Act, 2010, which specifically deals with attacks on healthcare workers.
Police officials stated that investigations are ongoing, and they are reviewing CCTV footage from the hospital to identify all the accused. They have assured that strict action will be taken against those responsible. Mhatre has not yet been arrested, and the police are expected to issue a notice for his appearance.
Reactions from Medical Community
The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from the medical fraternity. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has demanded immediate arrest of the corporator and stringent punishment for the perpetrators. Dr. Sanjay Patil, a spokesperson for the IMA, said, "We are deeply concerned about the rising incidents of violence against doctors. Such attacks not only endanger the lives of healthcare professionals but also disrupt medical services for patients. We urge the government to ensure a safe working environment for doctors."
Local residents and patient families expressed shock over the incident, saying that hospitals should be zones of safety. Many have called for enhanced security measures at public healthcare facilities to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Political Fallout
The incident has also sparked political controversy. The Shiv Sena party has not issued an official statement regarding Mhatre's involvement. However, opposition parties have criticized the ruling party, alleging that such behavior from elected representatives sets a bad precedent. The Maharashtra government has assured that it will not tolerate violence against healthcare workers and that the law will take its course.
This case highlights the ongoing issue of violence against doctors in India, which has been a matter of concern for years. According to a 2023 report by the Indian Medical Association, over 75% of doctors have faced some form of violence at their workplace. The government has enacted laws to curb such incidents, but implementation remains a challenge.
Conclusion
The booking of Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre for assaulting doctors at KDMC Hospital in Thane underscores the need for stricter enforcement of laws protecting healthcare workers. As the investigation proceeds, the medical community hopes for swift justice and measures to prevent future attacks.
