Caught on Camera: Sena Corporator Defends Hospital Assault, Refuses to Apologise
New Delhi : A video showing a Shiv Sena corporator allegedly assaulting a woman doctor and hospital staff in Maharashtra has sparked widespread outrage, but the leader has refused to apologise, insisting that he “did nothing wrong.”
The incident took place on July 6 at a municipal hospital in Kalyan-Dombivli near Mumbai. CCTV footage shows Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre confronting doctors and nurses during an argument over the treatment of a pregnant woman. In the video, a woman doctor is seen trying to make a phone call when Mhatre approaches from behind and strikes her hand, causing her mobile phone to fall. Moments later, he and several supporters are seen attacking other hospital employees, leaving doctors, nurses, and staff members frightened and in tears.
Despite the visuals, Mhatre has denied assaulting the doctor. In an interview, he claimed that he only pushed her phone away because she was not responding to his complaints. According to him, the doctors ignored repeated requests for help, forcing him to intervene.
The corporator defended his actions throughout the interview and repeatedly refused to apologise. He argued that if hospital staff had responded to his concerns, the confrontation would never have taken place. He also claimed that his actions ultimately helped save the lives of a pregnant woman and her baby.
Hospital officials, however, presented a different account. They said the dispute began after doctors informed the patient’s family that the newborn might require admission to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Since all NICU beds were occupied, the family was advised to shift the patient to another hospital if specialised care became necessary. The situation soon escalated, resulting in the alleged assault on medical staff.
The attack has drawn sharp criticism from doctors’ associations and healthcare workers, who say violence against medical professionals is becoming increasingly common and threatens the safety of those providing emergency care. Medical staff have demanded strict legal action against everyone involved, regardless of their political affiliation.
Reacting to the controversy, Shiv Sena MP and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s son, Shrikant Shinde, strongly condemned the attack. Calling it unacceptable, he said doctors and nurses dedicate their lives to serving people under extremely stressful conditions and deserve respect and protection.
Shrikant Shinde assured that a police case has been registered and stated that no one who takes the law into their own hands will be spared. He also clarified that the party would not shield anyone found guilty and promised disciplinary action against those responsible.
The incident has once again reignited concerns over the growing number of attacks on healthcare workers across the country. Doctors have urged governments to strengthen hospital security and ensure that violence against medical professionals is dealt with swiftly and firmly, so hospitals remain safe spaces for both patients and caregivers.
News source: Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
