Alleged Assault by Shiv Sena Corporator and Aides at Thane Hospital
A Shiv Sena corporator, identified as Rajendra Devlekar, along with his aides, allegedly assaulted and abused doctors at a private hospital in Thane, Maharashtra, following the death of a patient. The incident occurred on Monday night at the Jupiter Hospital in Thane, prompting the hospital administration to file a complaint with the police.
Details of the Incident
According to the police, the patient, a 55-year-old man, was admitted to the hospital with a critical condition but succumbed to his illness. The family members, including the corporator, were informed about the death. However, they allegedly became agitated and accused the doctors of negligence. The situation escalated when the corporator and his associates started abusing the medical staff and physically assaulted some doctors.
A video of the incident, which has gone viral on social media, shows the group shouting and pushing doctors. The police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including assault, criminal intimidation, and unlawful assembly.
Police Action and Investigation
Senior police inspector of the Thane police station, Sanjay Patil, confirmed that a case has been filed against six individuals, including the corporator. “We have registered a case based on the complaint from the hospital. An investigation is underway, and we will take appropriate action,” Patil said.
The hospital management has condemned the attack and demanded strict action against the perpetrators. In a statement, the hospital said, “We strongly condemn the assault on our doctors. Such incidents create a sense of insecurity among healthcare professionals. We urge the authorities to ensure the safety of medical staff.”
Impact on Healthcare Community
The incident has sparked outrage among the medical fraternity, with doctors’ associations in Thane and across Maharashtra calling for a strike. The Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) has demanded immediate arrest of the corporator and his aides. “We will not tolerate any violence against doctors. The government must ensure a safe working environment for healthcare workers,” said a MARD representative.
This is not the first such incident in Maharashtra. In recent years, there have been multiple cases of attacks on doctors, leading to the enactment of the Maharashtra Medicare Service Persons and Medicare Service Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage or Loss to Property) Act, 2010, which provides for stricter punishment for offenders. However, enforcement remains a challenge.
Political Reactions
The Shiv Sena party has distanced itself from the corporator’s actions, stating that it does not condone violence. “We have taken note of the incident. If found guilty, strict action will be taken against the corporator as per party discipline,” said a Shiv Sena spokesperson.
Opposition parties have criticized the ruling party, accusing it of shielding its members. “This is a clear case of hooliganism. The police must act impartially without any political pressure,” said a leader from the opposition.
