Thane Hospital Assault Case: Ramesh Mhatre Arrested After Viral Video Shows Assault On Doctors In Kalyan

Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre was arrested on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, for allegedly assaulting doctors and medical staff at a civic-run hospital in Kalyan, in Thane district, in an incident that has triggered sharp condemnation from the medical fraternity and forced the party to distance itself from its own leader.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Kalyan, Atul Zende, confirmed the arrest, stating that Mhatre had been taken into custody in connection with the criminal case registered against him and his associates at Vishnunagar police station. Further investigation is underway, he added.

The controversy stems from an incident at the civic-run hospital on Monday evening, July 6, 2026, when a family was advised by doctors to shift a newborn to another facility for better treatment. According to police, Mhatre and his aides allegedly assaulted two doctors and other hospital staff following this advice. A video of the confrontation went viral soon after, sparking widespread public outrage over the treatment meted out to medical personnel performing their duties.

The backlash intensified when the Indian Medical Association threatened to shut down clinics and hospitals across the area unless immediate action was taken against those involved. Under mounting pressure, police registered a case against Mhatre and five others on Tuesday night, July 7, 2026, a day before his eventual arrest.

The episode has placed the Shiv Sena in an uncomfortable spot, given Mhatre's standing within the party as a corporator who has been elected multiple times. Seeking to contain the fallout, Thane Lok Sabha MP Naresh Mhaske issued a statement from Delhi, making clear that the party would not shield its leader from the consequences of his conduct.

"The party has not supported the incident that occurred, nor will it ever support it. The assault was indeed committed by Mhatre. Even though he is a senior leader who has been elected five to six times, the party will not condone this behaviour," Mhaske said.

He confirmed the party leadership has served a show-cause notice to the corporator, signalling that internal disciplinary proceedings are already underway alongside the criminal case.

"The top leadership of the party will make the final decision regarding disciplinary action. Our disciplinary committee will decide on the exact course of action. Furthermore, the party will not interfere or hold back anywhere when it comes to legal action by the law enforcement agencies," Mhaske said, adding that the law must be allowed to take its own course.

For now, both the criminal proceedings at Vishnunagar police station and the party's internal inquiry are expected to move in parallel, with DCP Zende noting that investigators are still piecing together the full sequence of events from the hospital that evening.

Inputs from PTI