Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre arrested for assault on doctors at Dombivli hospital

On July 6, 2026, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) corporator Ramesh Mhatre and his supporters entered Shastri Nagar Hospital, run by the Kalyan‑Dombivli Municipal Corporation in Dombivli, Thane district, Maharashtra. After two doctors advised a family to transfer a newborn because the NICU was full, the family called Mhatre, who arrived with a mob and physically assaulted a female doctor, a male doctor and other staff. Video footage showed Mhatre striking a doctor’s hand to seize her phone and hitting other personnel. He later denied the assault, saying he only slapped the phone. Police registered a case, arrested Mhatre and five others, and remanded him to police custody until July 13. He was hospitalized at Thane Civil Hospital for health reasons, prompting accusations of preferential treatment.

The incident triggered resignations of the assaulted doctors, who cited fear and psychological trauma, and led to protests by medical staff demanding Mhatre’s removal. The doctor’s father alleged attempts to shield the accused and urged the state government to protect healthcare workers. Political reactions included criticism from opposition leader Husain Dalvi and statements from Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The assault revived a national debate on violence against medical professionals, with surveys showing that over 80 % of Indian doctors have faced or witnessed workplace violence.

Court proceedings continued, with the court rejecting video‑conference appearances for Mhatre and ordering his physical presence. The case remains under investigation, highlighting concerns over safety of doctors in public hospitals.