Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) corporator Ramesh Mhatre, who was arrested over the alleged assault of doctors and hospital staff, has been admitted to Thane Civil Hospital after his health reportedly worsened, police said.
According to officials, Mhatre was shifted to Thane Civil Hospital after medical services at KDMC's Rukmai and Shastrinagar hospitals were suspended.
Kalyan Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Atul Zende said Mhatre had been arrested in connection with the criminal case registered against him and his associates at the Vishnunagar police station. He added that the investigation is continuing.
The incident occurred on Monday evening at a civic-run hospital in Kalyan, located in Maharashtra's Thane district. A video that circulated widely on social media appeared to show Mhatre and his aides assaulting two doctors and other hospital employees after a family was advised to transfer a newborn to another medical facility.
Police registered a case against Mhatre and five others on Tuesday night following widespread public criticism and mounting pressure from the Indian Medical Association, which had warned of shutting clinics and hospitals across the area if swift action was not taken. The development has also prompted questions over whether Mhatre's reported medical condition is genuine or if he is receiving preferential treatment while in custody.
Speaking to NDTV earlier on Wednesday, Mhatre rejected allegations that he had assaulted the doctor. The corporator also made it clear that he had no intention of apologising for the incident.
"I did not attack the woman doctor at the hospital," the corporator insisted, adding that he only hit the doctor's hand to get her off the phone as "she was not listening to our complaint."
"I slapped her phone as she was not listening to us. I only tried to get her off the phone," Mhatre told NDTV.
"Our action saved the life of a woman and her child. We don't care about anything else," he said.
During a 26-minute interview with NDTV, Mhatre reiterated that he had not assaulted the doctor, accused her of being arrogant and maintained that he would not apologise. He said he would express regret only if the doctors first apologised for their conduct.
Meanwhile, Sangeeta Baviskar, the mother of doctor Shruti Baviskar, welcomed Mhatre's arrest while urging authorities to ensure the investigation remains transparent.
"We are happy with Mhatre's arrest, but there must be complete transparency in the proceedings," she said. "It was heartbreaking to see my daughter being beaten. There was no negligence on her part. Serving people is a noble profession. My daughter was just explaining the right thing."
