A court in Maharashtra’s Kalyan has refused to allow Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre, who was arrested for allegedly assaulting doctors and hospital staff at a private hospital in Dombivli, to appear before the court through video conferencing, despite his claim of deteriorating health.
The decision came after police sought permission to produce the accused virtually, citing medical concerns following his admission to Thane Civil Hospital. The court, however, declined the request, ensuring that the legal proceedings would continue in accordance with established judicial procedures.
Mhatre was arrested on Wednesday, two days after a video showing him and several associates allegedly assaulting two doctors and other members of the hospital staff sparked widespread public outrage. The incident, which took place at a hospital in Dombivli, drew sharp criticism from the medical fraternity and civil society, with many demanding strict action against those involved.
Soon after his arrest, Mhatre was shifted to Thane Civil Hospital after he reportedly complained of health complications. According to doctors treating him, the corporator is currently under close observation in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where specialists are monitoring his condition.
Medical officials said Mhatre has a history of kidney-related ailments and is living with only one functioning kidney. They added that he has been experiencing elevated blood pressure and repeated episodes of vomiting, prompting doctors to keep him under continuous medical supervision.
Citing these medical issues, the investigating police approached the Kalyan court on Thursday seeking permission to present the accused through video conferencing instead of producing him physically. The application argued that his health condition required continued hospital care and that a virtual appearance would ensure both medical safety and continuity of judicial proceedings.
The court, however, rejected the plea, declining to permit a virtual appearance despite the medical grounds cited by the police.
The assault case has attracted significant attention across Maharashtra, particularly after footage of the alleged attack circulated widely, triggering concern over the safety of healthcare professionals. Medical associations have strongly condemned the incident, arguing that violence against doctors and hospital staff undermines public confidence in healthcare institutions and poses a serious threat to those providing emergency medical services.
Investigators are continuing their probe into the incident, including the role of Mhatre’s associates who were allegedly involved in the assault. Police are expected to place further evidence before the court as the case proceeds.
The episode has once again reignited debate over the protection of healthcare workers and the need for swift legal action in cases involving violence against medical professionals, an issue that has repeatedly surfaced across the country in recent years.