Thane Doctor Quits Hospital After Alleged Assault by Shiv Sena Corporator

One of the doctors allegedly assaulted by Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) corporator Ramesh Mhatre at a municipal hospital in Maharashtra's Thane district has resigned from his job, claiming he fears for his safety and will not return to the city, according to reports.

The doctor, who requested anonymity citing security concerns, said he spent the last two days constantly changing locations after allegedly receiving threatening calls and messages. He also claimed that unidentified individuals were following him after the incident.

Speaking to the media, the doctor said fear forced him to resign and leave the city. Describing the accused as "very dangerous people", he said he had no intention of returning to work at the hospital.

The incident occurred on July 6 at Shastrinagar Hospital in Kalyan-Dombivli, where Mhatre and his associates were allegedly caught on CCTV assaulting two doctors after a newborn was referred to another hospital because the facility's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) was full.

Doctors alleged they were assaulted and threatened without being allowed to explain the medical circumstances behind the referral. Two nurses who tried to intervene were also reportedly manhandled. Hospital staff later lodged a police complaint and launched a protest, alleging that no FIR had initially been registered.

Corporator Defends His Actions

Despite the controversy, Mhatre denied assaulting the doctors and refused to apologise.

Speaking to a television channel, he claimed he did not attack the woman doctor but merely knocked her phone away because she was not listening.

He further stated that he would express regret only if the doctors apologised for their behaviour, adding that Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray had taught them to fight injustice.

Case Registered, Corporator Arrested

Police have registered a case against Mhatre and five of his associates in connection with the alleged assault.

Mhatre was arrested on Wednesday evening. However, police said he was later admitted to Thane Civil Hospital after his health reportedly deteriorated.

The investigation into the incident is continuing.