Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre arrested for assaulting woman doctor in Thane

New Delhi: Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre was arrested on Wednesday in connection with the alleged assault on doctors and hospital staff at KDMC's Shastrinagar Hospital in Dombivli, days after the incident triggered widespread outrage among the medical fraternity. The arrest came amid growing demands for strict action against those accused of attacking healthcare workers inside a government hospital. The controversy erupted after the relatives of a pregnant woman, who had been referred to another hospital for further treatment, allegedly arrived at the hospital along with Mhatre and assaulted doctors and nurses on duty. According to the family of woman doctor Dr Srishti Baviskar, she remains under severe psychological distress following the incident and is currently unable to speak publicly about the ordeal. Her parents said the doctors were performing their duties when the corporator and his supporters allegedly entered the hospital, assaulted medical staff and issued threats. They alleged that Dr Baviskar was verbally abused and intimidated, with the accused warning the doctors that they would "not be spared". The family further claimed that the threats continued even after the assault, alleging that the accused warned they would bring women supporters to target the doctors if action was taken against them. Dr Baviskar is currently recovering at home but remains fearful about returning to work, her parents said, urging the government to ensure stronger security for doctors, particularly women healthcare professionals.