Assault on doctors: Maharashtra Court grants bail to Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre

A magistrate court in Maharashtra's Kalyan on Tuesday granted bail to Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre arrested in connection with the assault on doctors and medical staff at a civic hospital in Thane

Mhatre was remanded to judicial custody on July 13 after the expiry of his police custody. Soon thereafter, his lawyer moved for bail, which was heard and allowed today.

During the hearing, the police opposed the plea by arguing that Mhatre’s release could endanger the complainant doctor and cited his alleged criminal antecedents resulting in multiple FIRs. They also pressed that Mhatre had assaulted professionals of the noble medical profession and should not be granted bail.

However, Mhatre maintained that in the criminal cases cited by the police, he had either been acquitted or the proceedings had been quashed

Only one case is currently pending against him, it was pointed out. He further argued that conditions could be imposed to address the concerns of the police. He also asked the Court to consider his medical condition stating that he has only one kidney and suffers from multiple ailments.

After hearing both sides, the court granted bail on a bond of ₹50,000.

A detailed order is awaited.

According to the FIR, Mhatre and his aides allegedly attacked two doctors and other hospital staff at the civic hospital after a dispute over the treatment of a pregnant woman and her newborn. The doctors had advised shifting the patient to another facility due to unavailability of NICU beds. The patient’s family allegedly contacted Mhatre, following which the assault took place on July 6.

This led to public outrage and pressure from the Indian Medical Association which warned of a shutdown of clinics and hospitals if action was not taken. 

A case was registered against Mhatre who was arrested on July 8 along with five other accused.

They were booked for offences including assault or use of criminal force to deter a public servant from discharge of duty, voluntarily causing hurt, criminal intimidation, intentional insult to provoke breach of peace, unlawful assembly and rioting.

After his arrest, Mhatre complained of chest pain and was admitted to Thane District Civil Hospital. The police sought permission to produce him via video conference, but the magistrate rejected the request and directed his physical production. 

He was subsequently produced and remanded to police custody till July 13 before being granted bail today.