The CCTV-recorded attack on doctors and nurses at Dombivli’s Shastri Nagar Hospital has triggered protests, led to Mhatre’s arrest, and raised fresh concerns over the safety of healthcare workers

New Delhi: In a major development, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) corporator Ramesh Sukrya Mhatre surrendered and police arrested him on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, for allegedly assaulting doctors and nurses at a civic hospital in Dombivli. CCTV cameras captured the entire incident, and the videos quickly went viral on social media. The incident has sparked a major debate about political influence, the safety of healthcare workers, and the functioning of public hospitals.

The Incident Started Over a Routine Medical Decision

The incident took place on Monday evening, July 6, at Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC)-run Shastri Nagar Hospital in Dombivli, Thane district.

Doctors Dr. Srishti Bawiskar, a gynecologist, and Dr. Vaibhav Salunkhe treated a newborn who needed care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Since the hospital did not have an available NICU bed, the doctors advised the baby’s family to shift the infant to another hospital with better facilities.

The doctors made this decision to ensure the baby’s safety because the public hospital was already facing a shortage of resources. However, the family became upset and contacted local corporator Ramesh Sukrya Mhatre.

CCTV Footage Shows the Assault

Mhatre reached the hospital with a group of supporters, including several men and at least one woman.

According to reports and CCTV footage, some supporters stopped the hospital’s security guards from interfering while Mhatre and others entered the hospital.

The situation quickly turned violent. The group allegedly abused doctors and hospital staff using foul language. When a female doctor tried to call for help, someone allegedly snatched her phone and threw it away.

The attackers allegedly slapped, punched, pushed, and assaulted the doctors and nurses. Dr. Vaibhav Salunkhe suffered injuries during the attack. Nurses who tried to stop the assault were also pushed and manhandled. Before leaving, the group allegedly threatened the hospital staff.

Hospital CCTV cameras recorded the entire incident. The footage went viral on Tuesday, July 7, leading to widespread public outrage.

Doctors Protested, IMA Demanded Action

The attack left doctors and hospital staff shaken. On Tuesday, they launched a work-stop protest and demanded immediate police action and better security.

KDMC Medical Health Officer Dr. Deepa Shukla, along with the affected doctors and nurses, went to Vishnunagar Police Station and sought legal action.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) strongly condemned the attack. The association warned that it would shut down private hospitals and clinics in the region if police failed to register an FIR and arrest the accused.

Police Registered FIR and Arrested the Accused

As public pressure increased, police registered an FIR against Ramesh Sukrya Mhatre and five others on Tuesday night.

The FIR includes charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Section 132 (assault on a public servant), Section 121(1) (voluntarily causing hurt), Section 351(1) (criminal intimidation), Section 352 (intentional insult), Section 189(2) (unlawful assembly), and Section 191(2) (rioting).

By Wednesday, police had arrested three of Mhatre’s associates. Later, Mhatre surrendered at the police station, and police took him into custody.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Suhas Nemade confirmed that the investigation is continuing.

Mhatre’s Background and Political Reactions

Ramesh Sukrya Mhatre is a senior corporator from Dombivli’s Kopar area. Reports say he has faced allegations in other cases as well.

The incident has put the ruling Shiv Sena alliance under criticism. Opposition parties questioned the government’s response, while Shiv Sena MP Dr. Shrikant Shinde, who is also a doctor, publicly condemned the assault and demanded strict action against those responsible.

The Incident Highlights Bigger Problems

The case has once again highlighted several long-standing problems in Maharashtra’s public healthcare system.

Government hospitals regularly face shortages of NICU beds and other critical resources. Doctors and nurses work under heavy pressure every day. At the same time, incidents of political interference continue to affect medical decisions.

Many healthcare workers have expressed fear after the attack. They have questioned how they can feel safe if elected representatives can allegedly assault them inside a hospital.

The viral CCTV footage has strengthened demands for better security in public hospitals and stricter action against people who misuse political power.

What Happens Next?

Mhatre’s surrender and arrest mark an important step in the case. The CCTV footage and the united stand taken by doctors and medical associations played a key role in pushing authorities to act.

However, the investigation and court proceedings will determine whether justice is delivered. The incident has become a reminder of the growing concerns about political interference and the safety of healthcare workers.

As Maharashtra continues to watch the case closely, doctors and medical associations are demanding stronger security measures, better hospital infrastructure, and strict punishment for those responsible. They say healthcare workers should be able to perform their duties without fear, and the authorities must ensure that such incidents do not happen again.