Thane Hospital Assault: Sena Corporator Ramesh Mhatre Arrested, 3 Aides Held
Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre and three associates were arrested for allegedly assaulting doctors and medical staff at a Thane hospital over a newborn's transfer. The incident, captured on CCTV, sparked widespread outrage and protests from the medical fraternity. Mhatre was later admitted to a hospital after his health reportedly deteriorated post-arrest.
Key Highlights
- Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre arrested for hospital staff assault.
- Three associates of the corporator also taken into custody.
- Assault occurred due to a dispute over NICU bed availability for a newborn.
- CCTV footage of the incident went viral, sparking public outrage.
- Doctors and hospital staff protested, demanding strict action.
- Mhatre was hospitalized shortly after his arrest due to reported health issues.
A significant incident of violence against healthcare professionals unfolded in Thane, Maharashtra, leading to the arrest of Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre and three of his associates. The assault occurred at the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation's (KDMC) Shastri Nagar Hospital on July 6, 2026, following a dispute concerning the transfer of a newborn baby. Doctors had advised the family of the newborn to shift the baby to another hospital due to the unavailability of beds in the hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
Angered by this medical advice, the family reportedly contacted corporator Ramesh Mhatre. When doctors could not immediately attend to Mhatre's calls, he arrived at the hospital with a group of supporters and allegedly assaulted doctors and medical staff. CCTV footage of the incident, which captured Mhatre and his aides physically assaulting a woman doctor and other staff members, went viral on social media, triggering widespread outrage and condemnation from the medical fraternity and the public.
Following the incident, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and other medical organizations threatened to suspend services and demanded strict action against the perpetrators. In response to the mounting pressure, the Thane police registered a case against Mhatre and his associates under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Maharashtra Medicare Service Persons and Medicare Service Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage or Loss to Property) Act, 2010.
Mhatre initially denied assaulting a female doctor, claiming he only tapped her hand as she was on the phone and not listening to their grievances. He also stated that he considered the doctor like a daughter and addressed her informally out of respect. However, the viral video footage contradicted his claims, showing him striking the doctor and causing her phone to fall.
The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena party publicly distanced itself from Mhatre's actions, with MP Dr. Shrikant Eknath Shinde stating that no one involved in the assault would be protected and that disciplinary action would be taken. The party leadership also issued a show-cause notice to the corporator.
On July 8, 2026, Ramesh Mhatre surrendered before the Thane police and was subsequently arrested. He became the fourth person to be arrested in connection with the case, following the earlier arrest of three of his associates. Shortly after his arrest, Mhatre was admitted to Thane Civil Hospital after reportedly complaining of severe chest pain and exhibiting symptoms of high blood pressure, prostate issues, and kidney ailments.
The incident led to a temporary suspension of routine outpatient services in several KDMC-run and private hospitals in Kalyan-Dombivli as a mark of protest by doctors, though emergency services remained operational. Doctors demanded the immediate arrest of all involved and strict enforcement of the Maharashtra Medicare Act.
Political reactions also poured in, with leaders from various parties condemning the assault and demanding stringent action. Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Abitkar condemned the violence, while Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray called for strict measures.
One of the doctors assaulted, Dr. Shrushti Baviskar, who had joined the hospital only a month prior, expressed her fear of further targeting and was reportedly considering quitting her job due to the trauma. Her family highlighted her distress and fear for her safety.
The news gained significant traction, with multiple media outlets reporting on the incident, arrests, and the ensuing public and political reactions. The article from NDTV, which prompted this verification, aligns with the details reported by other credible news sources. The headline accurately reflects the core events: the arrest of three individuals and the impending arrest of the Shiv Sena leader, who was subsequently arrested. The overall reporting is consistent across multiple sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested in connection with the Thane hospital assault?
Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre and three of his associates were arrested for allegedly assaulting doctors and medical staff at the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation's (KDMC) Shastri Nagar Hospital.
What was the reason for the assault at the hospital?
The assault occurred following a dispute after doctors advised a family to shift their newborn to another hospital due to the unavailability of beds in the hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
What actions were taken by the medical fraternity after the incident?
The medical fraternity protested the assault, with doctors and hospital staff in Kalyan-Dombivli suspending routine outpatient services while keeping emergency services operational, demanding strict action against the perpetrators.
Did the Shiv Sena party take any action against the corporator?
Yes, the Shiv Sena party publicly distanced itself from Ramesh Mhatre's actions, stating that no one involved would be protected and that disciplinary action would be taken. The party leadership also issued a show-cause notice to the corporator.