Bombay HC transfers Thane doctors assault probe to DCP, raps Ramesh Mhatre
The Bombay High Court on Monday directed that the investigation into the July 6 assault on Thane doctors by Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre be handed over to a Deputy Police Commissioner rank officer, observing that local police had botched up the case.
A bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Ravindra V Ghuge and Justice Gautam A Ankhad ordered the probe transfer while hearing a suo motu writ petition. The court raised strong concerns over Mhatre's conduct, reprimanding the Shiv Sena corporator for resorting to violence against the public after seeking their votes during elections.
Addressing Mhatre's conduct, the bench questioned why an elected representative who asks voters for support would turn around and break their heads with chairs and files. The court also noted that Mhatre walked out of the hospital and received a grand reception upon obtaining his initial release order, describing his cited health concerns as a pretense.
Mhatre surrendered to the police on July 19, a day after the Bombay High Court stayed the bail granted to him by a lower court. He was subsequently remanded to judicial custody until August 3.
The high court expressed sharp dissatisfaction with the local police, noting that there was no proper investigation and criticizing officers for facilitating Mhatre to be presented before the magistrate through virtual mode, an attempt the magistrate refused.
To ensure a proper probe, Advocate General Milind Sathe and Chief Public Prosecutor Shishir Hiray, representing the state government, submitted that the Deputy Commissioner of Police for Zone 3 in Kalyan could be appointed within two days to take over the investigation.
During the hearing, senior advocate Aabad Ponda, representing Mhatre, remarked that the lesson was learned the hard way, to which the bench orally noted that Mhatre has grave offences against him. Senior advocate Ashok Mundargi served as amicus curiae in the case. The court has posted the next hearing for Friday, July 31.
