A Shiv Sena corporator from Maharashtra, Ramesh Mhatre, surrendered before police on July 8 and was arrested in connection with the alleged assault of doctors and medical staff at the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation’s (KDMC) Shastri Nagar Hospital in Dombivli.
The incident, captured on CCTV and widely circulated on social media, triggered outrage across the medical fraternity, prompting protests, strikes and demands for stricter protection of healthcare workers. Police arrested Mhatre after taking three of his associates into custody earlier the same day. While the corporator expressed regret over the altercation, he denied assaulting a woman doctor, claiming the CCTV footage reflected only one camera angle.
Shiv Sena leaders, including MP Dr Shrikant Shinde, publicly distanced the party from the incident, stating that no one involved would be shielded and promising disciplinary action if wrongdoing was established. Authorities have initiated legal proceedings as investigations continue.
Hospital Violence Sparks Outrage
The alleged assault occurred on July 6 inside KDMC’s Shastri Nagar Hospital after doctors reportedly advised the family of a newborn requiring specialised neonatal care to shift the infant to another hospital because the facility’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) had no vacant beds. According to doctors, the patient’s relatives contacted corporator Ramesh Mhatre after becoming dissatisfied with the situation. CCTV footage later showed Mhatre and several supporters entering the hospital and allegedly assaulting Resident Medical Officer Dr Vaibhav Salunkhe, a woman doctor and nursing staff.
Two nurses who intervened were also allegedly manhandled, while doctors claimed they were threatened before the group left the premises. The video quickly spread online, prompting widespread condemnation from healthcare professionals and the public. Resident doctors and municipal hospital staff across Kalyan-Dombivli suspended routine outpatient services in protest, while emergency care continued.
They demanded immediate arrests, stronger security arrangements and assurances that violence against healthcare workers would not be tolerated. Police registered a case under multiple sections of the law, launched an investigation and later arrested three associates before Mhatre surrendered. Following his arrest, he was produced before the authorities after undergoing a medical examination.
Mhatre, in his first public statement after being named an accused, expressed regret over the confrontation but denied striking the woman doctor. He maintained that the CCTV footage represented only a particular angle and claimed he had merely tapped her hand while attempting to get her attention because she was allegedly occupied on the phone.
He attributed the confrontation to what he described as shortcomings in hospital functioning. The doctors, however, rejected this explanation, insisting that the footage and eyewitness accounts clearly documented the assault. Dr Vaibhav Salunkhe later said he felt relieved after the arrests but continued to fear for his safety, alleging that he had received threatening messages following the incident. Another doctor reportedly considered resigning because of the trauma caused by the attack.
Timeline: From Hospital Dispute to Arrest
July 6: A pregnant woman undergoes a caesarean section at KDMC’s Shastri Nagar Hospital. Doctors advise shifting the newborn to another hospital because the NICU is full. The patient’s relatives allegedly contact corporator Ramesh Mhatre. CCTV later captures an altercation in which doctors and nurses are allegedly assaulted inside the hospital.
July 7: CCTV footage goes viral, triggering outrage across Maharashtra. Doctors, nurses and paramedical staff begin a strike, suspending routine services while continuing emergency care. Medical associations demand immediate police action and enhanced protection for healthcare professionals.
July 8 (Morning): Police arrest three associates allegedly involved in the incident. Shiv Sena MP Dr Shrikant Shinde publicly condemns the assault, stating that the party will not protect anyone found guilty. He says Mhatre should apologise if he misbehaved with doctors and assures disciplinary action after the investigation.
July 8 (Evening): Mhatre surrenders before the Vishnu Nagar Police, undergoes a medical examination and is formally arrested. Police prepare to seek his custody before a local court as investigations continue. Hours later, he reportedly complains of chest pain and is shifted to a hospital for treatment.
The incident has reignited concerns over increasing violence against healthcare professionals in India, with medical organisations arguing that hospitals should remain safe spaces where doctors can provide treatment without intimidation. The episode has also intensified discussions about hospital infrastructure challenges, particularly shortages of specialised beds in public health facilities, while reinforcing calls for accountability regardless of political affiliation.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Violence against healthcare workers undermines public trust in the healthcare system and creates an atmosphere of fear where compassion should prevail. Doctors, nurses and hospital staff often work under immense pressure, particularly in resource-constrained public hospitals, and disagreements over treatment should never escalate into intimidation or physical assault.
Equally, authorities must ensure that hospitals are adequately equipped and that grievances are addressed through transparent, lawful mechanisms rather than confrontation. Accountability, irrespective of political position or influence, is essential to uphold the rule of law and protect those dedicated to saving lives. How can India strengthen both hospital infrastructure and legal safeguards to ensure healthcare professionals can work without fear while patients’ concerns are heard respectfully?
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WHEN A RULING PARTY BECOMES DRUNK ON THE INTOXICANT OF POWER AND ENTITLEMENT.
— Rahul Shivshankar (@RShivshankar) July 7, 2026
Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) corporator Ramesh Mhatre allegedly assaulted a female doctor, a gynecologist, and multiple nursing staff members at the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC)-run… pic.twitter.com/LeCX0zETle
