Dombivli Doctor Assault Case: Bombay HC May Release Shiv Sena Corporator Ramesh Mhatre With Strict Conditions, Seeks Swift Probe

Mumbai, August 6, 2026: The Bombay High Court on Thursday indicated that it may pass an order on the re-release of Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) corporator Ramesh Mhatre from custody, subject to stringent conditions, while directing the police to complete the investigation into the alleged assault on doctors without delay.

Court Suggests Strict Conditions

A Bench of Justices Ravindra Ghuge and Gautam Ankhad indicated that Mhatre would have to stay outside Maharashtra until the filing of the chargesheet. He would also have to surrender his passport before the trial court.

During the hearing, Public Prosecutor Shishir Hirey informed the court that the forensic examination of CCTV footage and Mhatre’s voice samples was underway and that the chargesheet would be filed within eight to 10 days of receiving the reports.

“The voice samples have been collected. The Test Identification Parade has also been completed. We expect the forensic reports soon,” Hirey told the court.

The Bench made it clear that the suo motu proceedings would continue even if Mhatre is released. “We are not disposing of this petition. Let the chargesheet be filed,” the court observed.

Witness Safety Raised

Expressing concern over witness safety, the judges questioned the prosecution after it said protection would be provided to a woman doctor only if she sought it.

“If she wants? You must check threat perception,” the Bench remarked.

Senior advocate S.U. Kamdar, appearing for the Indian Medical Association, opposed Mhatre’s release, claiming several doctors were hesitant to come forward due to fear. He submitted that the woman doctor was “not ready to leave her house” and urged the court to ensure adequate security for witnesses.

Amicus curiae Ashok Mundargi urged the Bench to ensure not only a fair investigation but also a time-bound trial.

“A message should go that the law applies equally to political persons,” he said.

Matter Posted For August 8

The court then proposed a series of conditions if Mhatre is released, including directing him to stay outside Maharashtra until the chargesheet is filed, refrain from contacting witnesses directly or indirectly, surrender his passport until the trial concludes, furnish his address and contact details outside the state, and regularly report to the local police station.

The Bench also asked the state to appoint an experienced Special Public Prosecutor and ensure that the officer is not changed during the trial.

The matter will be heard on August 8, when the court is expected to pass orders on Mhatre’s release.

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The case relates to the alleged assault on doctors and hospital staff at Shastri Nagar Municipal Hospital in Dombivli on July 6. The High Court had earlier stayed the bail granted to Mhatre by a Kalyan court and transferred the investigation to the Deputy Commissioner of Police after expressing dissatisfaction with the initial probe.

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