Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde issued a stern rebuke to Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre after the corporator was arrested for violently assaulting a female doctor and other medical staff at a hospital in Thane district. The incident, captured on a viral video, shows Mhatre slapping, punching, and striking a woman doctor with a register and a hand.

Background of the Incident

The assault took place at the Shastri Nagar Hospital run by the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation. Doctors Srishti Bawiskar and Vaibhav Salunkhe had advised families to relocate a newborn to another facility due to a lack of space in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. When the relatives returned, they confronted Mhatre, who arrived with aides and proceeded to attack the medical staff.

Public and Political Response

After the footage went viral, public outrage surged. Shinde, speaking at Vidhan Bhavan, emphasized that it is unacceptable to assault a female doctor and that Shiv Sena’s stance is unequivocally against such violence. He added that no political intervention was needed, underscoring the party’s disavowal of the incident.

Legal Proceedings and Further Actions

Thane MP Naresh Mhaske reported that the Shiv Sena leadership had issued a show‑cause notice to the accused corporator. Three of Mhatre’s associates were also arrested in connection with the case, and the police confirmed that the matter remains under investigation.

Broader Implications and Analysis

This episode underscores growing public sensitivity to safety in healthcare settings and signals that political figures cannot escape accountability for violent conduct. Shinde’s prompt condemnation and the party’s clear distancing send a positive message that such behaviour will no longer be tolerated, potentially curbing future incidents of this nature.