Palghar Hospital Staff Assaulted by Shiv Sena Workers Over Rs 19,866 Bill

In a fresh case of alleged political hooliganism in Maharashtra, doctors and staff at a private hospital in Palghar were assaulted and threatened by Shiv Sena office-bearers late Sunday night. The incident, captured on CCTV, has sparked outrage in the medical community.

The trouble began over a dispute regarding the discharge of a 'Govinda' — a participant in the Dahi Handi tradition. The patient's group was reportedly angered by a bill of Rs 19,866 for treatment of members injured during the Janmashtami event.

According to a complaint filed by a hospital employee, Shiv Sena district chief Kundan Sankhe, city chief Rahul Gharat, and others entered the emergency department and argued with doctors. CCTV footage shows a receptionist being slapped when she tried to intervene. A woman employee was also threatened.

The accused allegedly barged into the intensive care unit (ICU), a restricted area, where they threatened a nurse. They then forcibly removed the IV drip of an injured Govinda and took him from the hospital.

Palghar police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Medical Services Protection Act. At least 17 individuals have been named, including Sankhe, Gharat, and Rohit Gavit, son of local MLA Rajendra Gavit.

Police are scanning CCTV footage and conducting further investigation. Congress leader Atul Londhe Patil called the incident "shameful," describing it as "hooliganism by Mahayuti politicians." He questioned the lack of accountability for such actions.

The incident has reignited concerns about the safety of medical professionals, a recurring issue in the state. Earlier this month, the Supreme Court denied bail to a Shiv Sena corporator arrested for assaulting a woman doctor in Thane, observing that those who attack doctors are not entitled to bail.