Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Jul 9: A doctor allegedly assaulted by a Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) corporator at a civic-run hospital in Maharashtra's Thane district has resigned from his job and left the city, citing concerns for his safety.
According to reports, the doctor said he no longer felt safe working at the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC)-run Shastri Nagar Hospital following the incident and had no plans to return.
"I have resigned because there is a lot of fear. I have already left the city and will not go back," he was quoted as saying.
The resignation comes days after a video of the alleged assault on doctors and hospital staff went viral on social media, sparking outrage among the medical fraternity and leading to protests by healthcare workers.
The incident occurred on Monday evening after doctors Srishti Bawiskar and Vaibhav Salunkhe reportedly advised the family of a newborn to shift the infant to another hospital as there were no beds available in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
Police said the family subsequently contacted Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Sukrya Mhatre, who allegedly arrived at the hospital with several supporters. They are accused of verbally abusing and assaulting the doctors and hospital staff, with Dr Vaibhav Salunkhe reportedly sustaining injuries.
Hospital authorities approached the police the same night, but an FIR was registered only after the assault video surfaced and doctors, backed by the Indian Medical Association (IMA), launched a work-stop protest demanding action.
Police later booked Mhatre, four of his supporters and a woman under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including assault on a public servant, voluntarily causing hurt, criminal intimidation, unlawful assembly and rioting.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Suhas Nemade said Mhatre had been arrested and that the investigation was continuing.
The incident has also triggered a political row in Maharashtra. Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray questioned whether action would be taken against the ruling alliance corporator, while Shiv Sena MP Dr Shrikant Shinde condemned the assault and assured that strict legal and disciplinary action would be taken against those found responsible.