Maharashtra Doctor Assault: Statewide Protests Erupt, Key Accused Arrested
The alleged assault on doctors and nurses at a civic hospital in Dombivli has escalated into a statewide confrontation between the medical fraternity and the Maharashtra government. The main accused, Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre, surrendered before the Thane police on Wednesday, following the arrest of three of his associates.
Later in the evening, Mhatre complained of high blood pressure and other health issues, prompting his admission to Thane civil hospital for treatment.
In response to the incident, resident doctors and nurses announced protests across the state. Healthcare organisations warned of an indefinite strike if strict action is not taken against those responsible. The Maharashtra State Association of Resident Doctors (Central MARD) welcomed Mhatre's arrest and stated that resident doctors in all government medical colleges and hospitals would wear black ribbons on Thursday while continuing medical services. The association stressed that the agitation aims to seek long-term measures to curb rising incidents of violence against healthcare workers across the state.
