Shiv Sena workers assault Palghar hospital staff over Dahi Handi bill

A disturbing incident of alleged assault and intimidation against hospital staff by Shiv Sena workers occurred at Relief Hospital in Palghar, Maharashtra, on the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday. The altercation reportedly stemmed from a dispute over a medical bill amounting to ₹19,866 for individuals, referred to as 'Govindas', who sustained injuries during Dahi Handi celebrations. According to multiple news reports, five 'Govindas' were brought to the hospital for treatment after an event. While three were treated as outpatients, one, identified as Omkar Kalwadkar, who was unconscious, was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The hospital staff decided to keep Kalwadkar under observation for 24 hours due to his condition. However, the 'Govinda' troupe members and accompanying Shiv Sena workers allegedly demanded an immediate discharge. Despite the medical recommendation, the group forcibly removed Kalwadkar's IV line and took him from the hospital after midnight [7, 19]. Further allegations include the Shiv Sena workers demanding a significant discount on the total medical expenses, which included charges for an MRI and CT scan. The hospital administration stated they offered a 20% discount, but the group insisted on paying less [7]. The situation escalated when hospital staff presented the bill of ₹19,866. According to a complaint filed by hospital employee Kundan Sankhe, Shiv Sena district chief, city chief Rahul Gharat, and others entered the emergency ward and began arguing with the doctors [3, 4, 11]. CCTV footage from the hospital captured moments of the alleged assault. One video reportedly shows a Shiv Sena worker slapping a receptionist who attempted to intervene in the argument [3, 4, 8, 19]. There are also reports of a female employee being threatened [3]. The group allegedly barged into the ICU, a restricted area meant to prevent infections, further disrupting patient care. Hospital staff also alleged that a nurse in the ICU was threatened and an IV drip was forcibly removed from an injured 'Govinda' before he was taken away [3, 4, 8, 20]. Palghar Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against at least 17 individuals, including Shiv Sena district chief Kundan Sankhe, city chief Rahul Gharat, and Rohit Gavit, the son of local MLA Rajendra Gavit. The case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Medical Services Protection Act [4, 8, 11, 18, 19]. Police are currently investigating the matter, examining CCTV footage, and gathering further evidence [4, 8]. As of the reports, no arrests had been made [5, 7]. The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from the medical fraternity and political leaders. The medical community in Palghar has repeatedly raised concerns about the safety of doctors and healthcare professionals. The Supreme Court has previously emphasized the severity of such assaults, refusing bail to a Shiv Sena corporator accused of assaulting a doctor in a separate incident [3, 7]. Political leaders from opposition parties have termed the incident as 'hooliganism' and demanded accountability [3, 11]. The Hindustan Times article, which is the primary focus, accurately reflects the core events as reported by multiple other credible news outlets. The headline, 'Enter, don't spare doctors': Sena workers accused of attacking staff at Palghar hospital, is somewhat sensationalized by the quote but is grounded in the reported events and allegations. The core facts—the location, the parties involved, the reason for the dispute (bill for injured Govindas), the alleged assaults (slapping receptionist, intimidation), and the police action—are consistently corroborated across various sources.

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