Dombivli Doctor Assault Case: HC extends stay on Shiv Sena Corporator's bail
Bombay High Court
Mumbai: In connection with the July 6 Dombivli hospital assault case, the Bombay High Court on Friday extended the stay on the bail granted to a Shiv Sena corporator in the incident. The court also urged the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) not to accept the resignation of the woman doctor who was allegedly attacked.
A bench of Acting Chief Justice Ravindra Ghuge and Justice Gautam Ankhad observed that doctors who have experienced trauma should be given adequate time and a supportive environment to recover and return to duty.
The court said the corporator could remain in custody at least until the completion of the test identification parade scheduled for August 4. The matter has been posted for further hearing on August 5.
The observations came during the hearing of suo motu proceedings initiated by the High Court after a Kalyan sessions court granted bail to the accused. Following which the High Court stayed the bail order.
Medical Dialogues had previously reported that the probe into the alleged assault of doctors at Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) hospital in Dombivli by a Shiv Sena corporator will now be conducted under the supervision of a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP)-rank officer, following directions from the Bombay High Court on Monday. The court also ordered that adequate security be provided to the victims and witnesses involved in the case.
During Friday’s hearing, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) opposed any relief for the accused, alleging that the corporator was a habitual offender and could influence witnesses if released. The prosecution also highlighted his alleged criminal background while opposing bail.
Appearing for the corporator, senior advocate Aabad Ponda argued that the investigation had progressed significantly and rejected allegations of witness intimidation. He submitted that his client was ready to comply with strict conditions, including leaving Mumbai or Maharashtra if directed by the court.
Advocate General Milind Sathe informed the court that statements of 17 witnesses had already been recorded, while some additional statements were still pending. He also said that voice samples of the accused would be collected on August 3 before the identification parade.
The bench directed police protection for doctors and witnesses and asked authorities to investigate complaints regarding threatening phone calls. It also urged KDMC not to accept the resignation of the assaulted woman doctor and to create a supportive environment for her return to work, reports India Today.
During the hearing, the court was also informed that another doctor who was assaulted had left for his native village due to fear, although his statement had already been recorded before a magistrate.
The case relates to an incident at KDMC-run Shastri Nagar Hospital in Dombivli on the night of July 6, where the corporator and his associates allegedly assaulted two doctors and other hospital staff members. The alleged assault occurred after the family of a newborn was advised to shift the infant to another hospital due to the unavailability of a NICU bed.
The CCTV footage of the incident circulated widely on social media, triggering protests by doctors across Maharashtra. The accused was arrested on July 9 and remains in judicial custody as the investigation continues.
Also Read:Thane Hospital Assault: 2 doctors resign citing trauma, workplace safety concerns
