In a shocking episode at the Kalayan‑Dombivli Municipal Corporation’s (KDMC) Shastrinagar Hospital, 26‑year‑old Resident Medical Officer (RMO) Dr. Rajesh (name changed) alleges that Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre led a violent mob that assaulted him for two consecutive days. The doctor, who was the only male physician on duty, says he became the group’s "punching bag" and was forced to relocate repeatedly after receiving threatening calls and being followed by unknown individuals.

Background of the Incident

Dr. Rajesh has been serving at Shastrinagar Hospital for nearly five months. On Tuesday evening, a pregnant woman’s relatives demanded a NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) bed for a foetus whose umbilical cord was wrapped around it, prompting an emergency caesarean. The hospital, however, had only one NICU bed occupied by a critically ill newborn.

Intervention by the Corporator and Escalation

At around 6 p.m., the family’s brother called the RMO, requesting the bed. Within minutes, Mhatre began bombarding the doctor with phone calls, insisting a bed be arranged “by any means”. When the doctor explained the impossibility, Mhatre resorted to verbal abuse and threats. By 8 p.m., a group of four‑to‑five men, including Mhatre, stormed the labour ward, assaulting the RMO, a female doctor, two nurses, and an attendant. They damaged hospital property, smashed an oxygen storage area, and even knocked the doctor’s mobile out of his hand.

Aftermath and Continuing Care

Despite the assault, the pregnant woman was transferred to KDMC’s Vasant Valley Hospital, where NICU facilities were available. The doctor emphasized that staff continued to coordinate with a paediatrician there to ensure the newborn received proper care.

Broader Implications and Safety Concerns

The RMO disclosed that this was not an isolated event; another male doctor had been assaulted twice earlier, and a female doctor faced violence six months ago. Those incidents were allegedly suppressed by senior officials. Only after CCTV footage went viral did a FIR get registered at Vishnunagar police station.

Living with a single‑parent mother who is a school teacher, the doctor said he cannot bear to tell her about the attack, fearing the emotional toll on her. He and four other staff members have resigned and have not returned to work, citing a lack of security and respect. The doctor expressed relief after Mhatre surrendered and was arrested, but warned that no politician should ever feel empowered to assault medical personnel.