The Bombay High Court on Monday reserved its order on the bail application of Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre, who is accused of assaulting doctors and hospital staff at a civic hospital in Dombivli.
During the hearing, the court questioned the conduct of both the accused and the police investigation, observing that elected representatives are expected to uphold the law rather than take it into their own hands. The bench also expressed concern over the manner in which the investigation had been handled and indicated that the probe must inspire public confidence.
Mhatre was arrested after allegedly assaulting doctors and nursing staff at the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC)-run Shastri Nagar Hospital following a dispute over the treatment of a patient. The incident triggered widespread protests by the medical fraternity and prompted the High Court to take suo motu cognisance of the case.
The High Court had earlier stayed the bail granted to Mhatre by a lower court and directed him to surrender. During the latest hearing on his fresh bail plea, the prosecution opposed his release, arguing that the allegations were serious and that the investigation was still underway.
After hearing submissions from both sides, the court reserved its verdict on the bail application. The matter is expected to be decided in the coming days.