10 July,2026 02:04 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondent
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The mother of Dr Srishti Baviskar, one of the two doctors allegedly assaulted by Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre at a civic-run hospital in Thane district, has demanded stronger protection and safety measures for medical professionals.
Speaking to reporters in Kalyan, Sangeeta Baviskar became emotional while condemning Monday's incident at the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC)-run Shastri Nagar Hospital.
The incident triggered widespread outrage after a video surfaced showing Mhatre allegedly slapping and punching Dr Vaibhav Salunkhe and hitting resident medical officer Dr Srishti Baviskar on her hand inside the hospital.
Expressing concern over repeated attacks on healthcare workers, Sangeeta said incidents of violence against medical professionals have become a serious issue.
"This is not the first incident at this hospital or in society where doctors have been subjected to beatings and injustice. We repeatedly come across such incidents, where medicos and non-medicos are assaulted, and hospitals are ransacked," Sangeeta said.
Calling for accountability, she said the investigation and legal process should be carried out with complete transparency.
"The truth must be place before the citizens. That alone will send a strong message to society and act as a deterrent to people with such violent tendencies," she said.
Sangeeta questioned the lack of security arrangements for doctors who often work long shifts under challenging conditions.
"If I can get a guarantee from the government that they will be protected when they work for 48-72 hours without proper sleep or fixed meal times... Under those volatile circumstances, if you launch a murderous attack on professionals, what reaction do you expect?" she asked.
According to KDMC Medical Health Officer Dr Deepa Shukla, the two doctors have submitted their resignations to the private agency through which they were appointed. While both doctors could not be reached, one of their colleagues confirmed the development.
Sangeeta said the attack had deeply affected her daughter and claimed no administrative official had approached the family with any assurance so far.
"When Dr Vaibhav was being beaten, Srishti intervened and did everything possible to save him. Even then, her mobile phone was violently thrown away," she said.
She added that if any individual is found responsible for wrongdoing, corrective measures or legal action should be taken, but physical violence cannot be justified.
Appealing for justice, Sangeeta said Dr Srishti's father is also a doctor and the family chose the medical profession to serve society.
"We have sent our children into this noble profession to serve the people. My only demand is that my daughter, and every other member of the affected medical staff, gets the justice they deserve," she added.
Meanwhile, Ramesh Mhatre was hospitalised after complaining of "chest pain" following his arrest, officials said.
Staff members at the Thane District Civil Hospital, where he was admitted after his arrest on Wednesday night, staged a protest and demanded his immediate disqualification as a corporator.
Police said three of Mhatre's associates have also been arrested in connection with the case.
(With inputs from PTI)
