Daijiworld Media Network – Pune
Pune, Apr 11: The Maharashtra Congress on Friday launched a scathing attack on the administration of Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Pune, demanding the dissolution of its board of directors and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe led by a retired judge into the recent death of Tanisha Bhise, a pregnant woman who was allegedly denied timely treatment due to lack of money.
Addressing the media, Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal said, “This is a case of inhuman neglect. A young woman lost her life because a charitable hospital, which was meant to serve the poor, turned her away. A case of culpable homicide must be filed against the hospital’s trust board, and the government should take over the hospital immediately.”
“Tanisha was made to wait for over five and a half hours. She was denied emergency medical care simply because she couldn’t afford it. The hospital violated its own founding principles. The state government is delaying action, and there appears to be an attempt to protect the culprits. This is unacceptable,” Sapkal added.
Demanding a thorough investigation, Sapkal urged authorities to seize CCTV footage, and obtain the call detail records (CDRs) of both the deceased’s husband and hospital director Dr Dhananjay Kelkar. He also slammed the hospital administration for showing “no remorse” even after such a grave tragedy.
“What happened is a stain on humanity. That such an incident occurred in a charitable institution during the ‘Amrit Mahotsav of Independence’ is tragic and shameful. There is clear evidence of negligence and suppression of facts. Justice must prevail,” Sapkal asserted.
Meanwhile, the political discourse surrounding the incident escalated after Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar launched a personal attack on the Mangeshkar family, labelling them as a “gang of looters.”
“The Mangeshkar family has never contributed to society apart from enjoying fame due to their singing. They are a blot on humanity. The person who donated land for the hospital wasn’t even respected. This hospital was started under the guise of charity but has become a hub of exploitation,” Wadettiwar alleged.
His remarks sparked sharp reactions from leaders across party lines. Deputy chief minister and NCP president Ajit Pawar condemned the comments, stating, “The Mangeshkar family is respected not only in India but globally for their artistic contributions. Such comments are inappropriate and disrespectful.”
Echoing Pawar’s views, State NCP chief Sunil Tatkare added, “Lata Mangeshkar, Hridaynath Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosale and others have glorified India through their music. Wadettiwar should speak responsibly as a public figure.”
As pressure mounts on the government and the hospital, civil society and women’s rights groups have also started demanding justice for Tanisha Bhise. The tragic incident has triggered fresh debates on the functioning and accountability of private and charitable healthcare institutions in India.