Thane, July 15
A Judicial Magistrate First Class court in Kalyan on Tuesday granted bail to local municipal corporator Ramesh Mhatre, who was arrested earlier this month in connection with an alleged assault on medical professionals at a government-run civic hospital.
The court ordered Mhatre’s release on a personal bond of ₹50,000 with surety, subject to conditions aimed at ensuring the safety of the prosecution witnesses and the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
Background and FIR Details
The case originates from an incident on July 6 at a Thane civic medical facility. According to the First Information Report (FIR) registered by the local police, a dispute arose when attending medical staff advised the family of a pregnant woman and her newborn to transfer to an alternative facility due to the non-availability of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) beds.
The patient’s family allegedly contacted Mhatre, who subsequently arrived at the hospital premises with a group of supporters. The prosecution alleges that the group disrupted hospital operations, resulting in a physical altercation and the intimidation of two on-duty doctors and supporting healthcare workers.
Following widespread public outrage and a formal strike warning from the Indian Medical Association (IMA), the police registered a case and arrested Mhatre along with five co-accused on July 8.
Charges and Legal Provisions
The accused individuals have been booked under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) / Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including:
- Voluntary causing hurt to deter public servants from duty
- Unlawful assembly and rioting
- Criminal intimidation
- Intentional insult to provoke a breach of peace
Arguments Before the Court
Seeking bail after the expiry of police custody, the counsel for the defense argued that continued detention was unnecessary as the primary investigation was complete. The defense highlighted Mhatre’s medical vulnerabilities, placing medical records before the magistrate to show that the accused suffers from multiple chronic ailments and functions with a single kidney. Furthermore, the defense contended that out of historical criminal cases cited against him, the accused had either been acquitted or the proceedings had been legally quashed, leaving only one active pending matter.
The Assistant Public Prosecutor strongly opposed the bail application, arguing that the release of an influential local figure could lead to tampering with evidence or the intimidation of the complainant medical officer. The state emphasized the serious nature of violence against public healthcare providers, arguing that a strict message needed to be sent to maintain public order and safeguard the medical fraternity.
Court's Ruling
After hearing bilateral arguments and examining the case diary, the Magistrate observed that the concerns raised by the prosecution could be adequately addressed through stringent bail conditions rather than prolonged judicial custody.
While allowing the bail plea, the court directed the accused to cooperate fully with the investigating agency, refrain from entering the hospital premises, and avoid any direct or indirect contact with the witnesses involved in the case. A detailed written order outlining the comprehensive terms of the bail is expected to be released shortly.
Discription: MAHARASHTRA COURT GRANTS BAIL TO CORPORATOR IN HOSPITAL ASSAULT CASE
THANE: A Kalyan magistrate court granted bail on Tuesday to local corporator Ramesh Mhatre, arrested for an alleged assault on doctors at a Thane civic hospital. The court ordered his release on a ₹50,000 bond.
The arrest on July 8 followed an incident where Mhatre and his aides allegedly attacked two doctors over a dispute regarding NICU bed availability. The accused faced charges including rioting and deterring public servants from duty.
The prosecution opposed bail, citing potential witness intimidation and Mhatre's criminal record. However, the defense argued that past cases were resolved, and highlighted Mhatre's severe health issues, including having a single kidney.
The magistrate ruled that strict conditions would safeguard the investigation, ordering Mhatre to avoid the hospital and witnesses.