Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre arrested for assaulting doctors at KDMC hospital in Thane

July 8, 2026

Mumbai/Thane: A Shiv Sena corporator from the ruling alliance and five others have been booked for allegedly assaulting doctors and hospital staff at a civic-run hospital in Maharashtra’s Thane district after a family was advised to shift a newborn to another medical facility due to the unavailability of NICU beds.

The incident, which took place at the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation’s (KDMC) Shastri Nagar Hospital on Monday evening, has triggered widespread outrage, protests by doctors, and a political slugfest in the state.

Doctors Allegedly Assaulted Over NICU Bed Shortage

According to police, doctors Srishti Bawiskar and Vaibhav Salunkhe had informed the family of a newborn that the hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) was full and advised them to shift the baby to another hospital for treatment.

The family allegedly contacted Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Sukrya Mhatre, who arrived at the hospital along with his supporters. They allegedly abused and assaulted the doctors and other medical staff. Dr Vaibhav Salunkhe reportedly sustained injuries during the incident.

A video of the alleged assault surfaced on social media, purportedly showing Mhatre hitting the doctors, sparking widespread criticism.

FIR Registered After Protest by Doctors, IMA Pressure

Although KDMC Medical Health Officer Dr Deepa Shukla and hospital staff approached the police on Monday night, an FIR was not registered immediately.

Following the viral video and mounting public outrage, hospital staff staged a work-stop protest on Tuesday, demanding immediate action. Representatives of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Kalyan and Dombivli units, also met KDMC Commissioner Abhinav Goyal and warned that all private clinics and hospitals in the region would remain shut if a case was not registered.

Subsequently, police registered an FIR against corporator Ramesh Mhatre, four of his supporters, and a woman under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including assault on a public servant, voluntarily causing hurt, criminal intimidation, intentional insult, unlawful assembly, and rioting.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Suhas Nemade said the investigation is underway.

Political Leaders Condemn Incident

The incident has also triggered political reactions across party lines.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray criticised the Mahayuti government and questioned whether Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis would tolerate such “goondagiri” by an ally. He asked whether strict action, including arrest and removal of the corporator, would be taken.

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena MP Dr Shrikant Shinde strongly condemned the assault, stating that violence against doctors and healthcare workers is unacceptable.

“As a doctor myself, I know patient care is a service to humanity. No one who takes the law into their own hands will be spared. Strict legal action will be taken against those found guilty,” he said.

Shinde also clarified that the party would not support anyone involved in the attack and assured that disciplinary action would be taken against those found responsible.

He reiterated his support for the doctors, nurses and medical staff at KDMC Hospital, saying their safety, dignity and right to work without fear must be protected.