A Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) corporator and three of his associates have been arrested for allegedly assaulting doctors and hospital staff inside a municipal hospital in Maharashtra's Thane district. The incident has triggered widespread outrage within the medical fraternity, with one of the assaulted doctors resigning from his post and leaving the city, citing concerns over personal safety.

The incident occurred on Monday at Shastri Nagar Hospital, operated by the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC). According to officials, the confrontation began after doctors informed the family of a newborn that the hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) had no vacant beds and advised them to shift the infant to another medical facility for treatment.

The family reportedly contacted Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre, who allegedly arrived at the hospital along with three associates. Police said the group entered the hospital premises and assaulted doctors and other medical staff during an altercation.

Doctors Allege Physical Assault

Hospital staff alleged that the accused first engaged in a heated argument before physically attacking doctors and employees. According to eyewitnesses, the corporator allegedly grabbed staff members by the neck, slapped and punched them, while his associates also assaulted hospital personnel.

A woman doctor was allegedly slapped when she attempted to use her mobile phone to seek help. The accused also reportedly snatched away her phone during the incident.

Following the complaint, police registered a case and arrested Ramesh Mhatre along with three co-accused. The investigation is currently underway.

Doctor Resigns, Leaves Thane

The incident has raised fresh concerns about the safety of healthcare professionals in government hospitals.

One of the assaulted doctors, Dr. Vaibhav Salunkhe, announced his resignation and left Thane after the attack. Speaking to the media, he said the atmosphere had become too intimidating to continue working.

The doctor alleged that he feared for his safety, claiming that "goons are keeping a watch on us." He added that while some colleagues might choose to remain, he had decided never to return to the city.

The incident has prompted renewed calls from doctors' associations for stronger security measures and stricter action against those who attack medical personnel.

Shiv Sena Condemns Incident

The Shiv Sena leadership distanced itself from the accused corporator's actions.

State Industries Minister Uday Samant said Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had reprimanded Ramesh Mhatre and made it clear that violence against a woman doctor was unacceptable.

Samant also stated that there had been no political interference in the police investigation and assured that the law would take its course.

The party has issued a show-cause notice to the corporator, according to Thane MP Naresh Mhaske.

Political Leaders Demand Action

The assault has drawn condemnation from leaders across political parties.

Kalyan MP Shrikant Shinde, along with several Opposition leaders, criticised the attack and called for strict legal action against those responsible.

Medical professionals have also demanded enhanced security at public hospitals, arguing that repeated attacks on healthcare workers discourage doctors from serving in government institutions.

Investigation Continues

Police are examining CCTV footage, witness statements and other evidence to determine the sequence of events. Authorities have indicated that further legal action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.

The case has once again highlighted concerns over the safety of frontline healthcare workers and the need for stronger enforcement of laws protecting medical professionals from violence while performing their duties.