Kalyan Court Grants Bail to Ramesh Mhatre After Dombivli Hospital Assault
On Tuesday, a Kalyan court granted bail to Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre on a ₹50,000 cash bond following his arrest for allegedly assaulting doctors and medical staff at Shastri Nagar Hospital in Dombivli. The assault, which took place on July 6, had sparked widespread protests and public outrage across Maharashtra.
Mhatre, the prime accused in the case, was released from judicial custody a day after being remanded.
According to Mhatre's defense lawyer, M.K. Qazi, the court accepted the defense's arguments during the hearing. Qazi confirmed that the defense filed a bail application, to which the Investigating Officer and the Assistant Public Prosecutor submitted their responses.
"We presented detailed arguments and addressed all the objections raised by the prosecution and the investigating officer. After hearing both sides, the Honourable Court granted bail to Ramesh Mhatre," Qazi said.
The case stems from an incident on July 6, when Mhatre and several supporters allegedly entered the KDMC-run Shastri Nagar Hospital in Dombivli. The confrontation began after doctors advised shifting a newborn baby to another medical facility because the hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit was full.
According to police, Mhatre accused the doctors of negligence before physically assaulting two doctors, Dr. Salunkhe and Dr. Srishti Baviskar, as well as nurses and other hospital staff.
A viral video from the hospital showed the corporator physically assaulting a female doctor and other medical personnel, which triggered sharp criticism from doctors' associations and the public.
The incident prompted protests by doctors across Maharashtra, with medical professionals demanding stronger security measures at government hospitals. The attacked doctors also resigned from their posts, citing safety concerns at the workplace.
Mhatre defended his actions, claiming he intervened to save a mother and child.
Maharashtra Police had arrested Mhatre and two others in connection with the attack. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
