Daijiworld Media Network - Palghar
Palghar, Sep 6: Police have registered a case against 17 people, including Shiv Sena’s Palghar district chief Kundan Sankhe, MLA Rajendra Gavit’s son Rohit Gavit and city chief Rahul Gharat, following an alleged altercation at a private hospital here over the treatment of an injured Govinda troupe member.
According to a complaint filed by the administration of Relief Hospital, the group allegedly entered the hospital and questioned doctors over their decision to conduct a CT scan on a Govinda participant who was injured while forming a human pyramid during a Dahi Handi celebration on Saturday.
The hospital alleged that doctors and other staff members were abused during the confrontation, a staff member was slapped and threats were made to damage the hospital.
Five members of a Govinda troupe had been admitted to the hospital after sustaining injuries during the Dahi Handi celebrations. One of them suffered injuries to his head and spine, following which doctors advised a CT scan and further treatment.
The hospital estimated the cost of the treatment at around Rs 20,000, while the organisers had deposited Rs 10,000, according to the complaint.
The dispute reportedly escalated when organisers questioned the need for the CT scan and sought the patient’s discharge. Shiv Sena functionaries, including Sankhe, subsequently reached the hospital.
The hospital further alleged that some members of the group entered the intensive care unit and asked patients to leave, raising concerns over the safety and security of other patients undergoing treatment.
The incident was captured on CCTV, and the hospital administration handed over the footage to police as part of the investigation.
Police have registered a case against the 17 accused under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including sections relating to causing hurt, insult and criminal intimidation, unlawful entry and unlawful assembly.
Provisions of the Maharashtra Medicare Service-Persons and Medicare Service Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage or Loss to Property) Act, 2010, have also been invoked.
The incident comes amid renewed concerns over the safety of doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers following a series of reported assaults on medical professionals.
Sankhe, however, denied the allegations made by the hospital. He claimed that the dispute arose because members of the Govinda troupe who had suffered minor injuries were allegedly not being discharged.
Sankhe said the Shiv Sena functionaries had gone to the hospital to discuss the treatment and discharge of the injured participants and denied the allegations of violence and intimidation.
Police are investigating the allegations and examining the CCTV footage and other available evidence.