Bombay HC Transfers Dombivli Hospital Doctor Assault Probe to DCP

The Bombay High Court on Monday directed that the probe into the alleged assault on doctors at Shastri Nagar Municipal Hospital in Dombivli be transferred to a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP)-rank officer within two days, following a lack of progress in the investigation.

A division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Ravindra V Ghuge and Justice Gautam Ankhad issued the order after criticizing the handling of the case. The bench also ordered that adequate police protection be provided to the victims and witnesses involved in the matter.

The case stems from an incident on July 6, when Shiv Sena councillor Ramesh Mhatre, an elected representative in the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC), allegedly assaulted doctors and nurses at the Shastri Nagar Municipal Hospital after a dispute. Mhatre surrendered on July 19 and was arrested alongside three co-accused, identified as Ramesh Pawar, Pramod Nikam, and Akshay Karande.

Judges questioned the conduct of the investigating team during Monday’s proceedings, asking why the investigating officer should not be changed after police attempted to present Mhatre in court via video conference call. The bench remarked that elected representatives are meant to serve the public rather than attack voters with files and chairs after getting elected.

The four accused had previously been granted bail by a magistrate’s court in Kalyan on July 14. However, the High Court took suo motu cognisance of the matter on July 18 and stayed the bail order, terming it unjustified while noting that Mhatre has 18 criminal cases registered against him over the past 36 years. All four men remain in judicial custody.

State government counsel informed the High Court that the investigating officer had already been changed to a senior police inspector and that the DCP of Zone III, Kalyan, would be appointed within two days to take over the remaining probe. Statements from three nurses and two senior medical officers have been recorded, while 10 additional witnesses remain to be examined.

Senior advocate Abad Ponda, representing Mhatre, requested regular bail on health grounds, noting that his 73-year-old client has one kidney and had surrendered as directed. The court rejected the bail prayer after reviewing video footage of the incident, describing Mhatre's actions as quick and violent.

Advocate Akshay Bhalerao, appearing for one of the victim doctors, informed the bench that his client had fled the city after receiving threats. The High Court expressed concern and ordered police security for the doctor and witnesses, directing the registry to arrange for the district judge to record the doctor’s statement. The newly appointed DCP is required to submit an investigation status report at the next hearing on July 31.