11 September,2026 09:16 AM IST | Palghar | mid-day online correspondent
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A court in Palghar has extended the police custody of suspended Shiv Sena functionary Rahul Gharat till September 13 in connection with the alleged assault on staff members at Relief Hospital in the district, officials said.
The court also rejected an interim anticipatory bail application filed by three other accused in the case.
The violence at the hospital reportedly followed a dispute over billing, diagnostic procedures and the discharge of injured 'govindas' who were undergoing treatment after participating in Dahi Handi celebrations.
According to the police, the situation escalated at the hospital, with a group of people allegedly becoming involved in a confrontation with staff members.
CCTV footage from the hospital reportedly showed a group of people assaulting a receptionist. Following the incident, police registered a case against 17 people in connection with the alleged violence.
The accused named in the case include Gharat, Shiv Sena district chief Kundan Sankhe and Rohit Gavit, the son of local MLA Rajendra Gavit.
Gharat had been suspended from the Shiv Sena following the incident. After surrendering before the police, he was arrested and subsequently produced before the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC).
The court had initially granted police custody to investigators. On Thursday, the prosecution sought an extension, arguing that more time was required to complete key aspects of the investigation.
The prosecution told the court that Gharat's further custody was necessary to conduct a detailed investigation into the alleged assault and establish the role of those involved in the incident.
Investigators also sought time to locate the remaining accused who had not yet been apprehended. Police said they were working to gather physical and digital evidence that could help establish the sequence of events at the hospital.
The prosecution argued that custodial interrogation was required to make progress on these aspects of the investigation.
The court accepted the prosecution's request and extended Gharat's police custody until September 13.
The court also considered an interim anticipatory bail application filed by three accused in the case. Their plea was rejected.
The development comes as police continue efforts to identify and trace the remaining people named in the case.
The alleged violence at Relief Hospital has drawn attention because it involved an attack on hospital staff during a dispute concerning the treatment and discharge of patients. Police are examining CCTV footage and other evidence to establish what happened before and during the confrontation.
CCTV footage is expected to form an important part of the investigation, particularly in determining the roles of individual accused persons and establishing the sequence of the alleged assault.
Investigators are also seeking digital evidence and other physical material connected with the incident. Police are expected to record statements from hospital staff and other witnesses as the investigation progresses.
The case involves allegations against 17 people, although the investigation into the individual roles of the accused is continuing.
Gharat's police custody has now been extended until September 13, when he is expected to be produced before the court again.
(With inputs from PTI)
