- HC denied bail to Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre.
- Court criticised police inaction, ordered DCP-level probe.
- Mhatre assaulted doctors at Dombivali municipal hospital.
Thane Doctors Assault Case: The Bombay High Court refused to grant immediate bail to Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) corporator Ramesh Mhatre in the doctor assault case. Mhatre was arrested after he attacked doctors and staff at a municipal hospital in Dombivali.
The video of Mhatre assaulting doctors went viral on social media, creating a huge outrage after which police arrested him. The Bombay High Court, while revoking Mhatre's bail plea, asserted that an elected representative cannot attack.
'First Seek Votes, Then Beat People'
"You seek votes by promising to serve the public, but after being elected, you beat them," the Bombay High Court told the Shiv Sena corporator. The Bombay High Court ordered an investigation into the case, directed that it be handed over to the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) of the relevant zone, and directed that the court be informed of the progress of the investigation by July 31.
The High Court stated, "The DCP should take over the investigation as soon as possible and ensure that all necessary steps are taken to record the statements of the complainant, victims, and witnesses, while providing them adequate security."
The Court Questions Police's Inaction
The bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Ravindra Ghuge and Justice Gautam Ankhad noted that no investigation was conducted initially after the incident and that the police showed extraordinary respect for the accused.
The bench stated, "In fact, the police officers sided with Mhatre and sought permission from the local court to present him via video conference for remand. The police have shown extraordinary deference to the accused."
Referring to the video of the assault, the bench remarked, "Mhatre did not waste even half a second and continued to assault the doctor."
Defence Argues Over Mhatre's Age
The defence argued in court that 73-year-old Mhatre should be given leniency due to his age. Disputing this, the court said he didn't look 73 in the video and was almost jumping over the table while assaulting the doctor.
(With Jagran.com Inputs)