Archive · 7 Sep 2026
17 Shiv Sena Leaders Booked After Palghar Hospital Clash
Several people taking part in a Dahi Handi celebration were injured in Palghar.
They were brought to Relief Hospital for treatment.
Doctors recommended scans and observation for some patients with head or spine injuries.
The hospital asked for ₹19,866, while organisers had deposited ₹10,000 and said the remaining amount would be paid.
Shiv Sena leaders questioned the scans and wanted some patients discharged.
The hospital said the visitors argued with staff, threatened the facility and assaulted an employee.
It also alleged that people entered the ICU and took one injured patient away after removing an IV drip.
The Shiv Sena leaders said they only went to discuss patients who were not being discharged and that there was only a minor argument.
Police booked 17 people and are examining CCTV footage and other evidence.
Palghar police booked 17 Shiv Sena office-bearers and supporters after an alleged late-night confrontation at Relief Hospital.
The dispute followed treatment of Govinda performers injured while forming human pyramids during Dahi Handi celebrations.
Hospital officials alleged that visitors abused a woman doctor, slapped a staff member and threatened to damage the facility.
The hospital also alleged that people entered the ICU, pressured staff to discharge patients and removed an injured Govinda’s IV drip before taking him away.
Shiv Sena leaders denied the allegations, while NCP (SP) and Congress leaders condemned the incident as political hooliganism.
- Who
- Palghar police booked 17 people, including Shiv Sena district chief Kundan Sankhe, city chief Rahul Gharat and Rohit Gavit; hospital doctors and staff were allegedly involved in the confrontation.
- What
- An alleged assault and confrontation at Relief Hospital followed a dispute over treatment, medical expenses and the discharge of injured Govinda performers.
- When
- The incident occurred around 1.15 a.m. in the early hours after the September 5 Dahi Handi celebrations; reports also describe it as taking place past midnight on Sunday.
- Where
- Relief Hospital near Shivaji Chowk in Palghar, Maharashtra.
- Why
- Organisers questioned recommended scans, treatment costs and the hospital’s refusal to discharge some injured patients.
Hospital, Police and Opposition Accounts
Shiv Sena Leaders’ Account
Alleged conduct at the hospital
Hospital, Police and Opposition Accounts
The hospital alleged that visitors abused a woman doctor, threatened to vandalise the facility, slapped a staff member, entered the ICU and pressured staff to discharge patients. It also alleged that an injured Govinda’s IV drip was removed before he was taken away.
Shiv Sena Leaders’ Account
Kundan Sankhe and other Shiv Sena office-bearers denied the allegations and said they went to the hospital to address complaints about patients not being discharged. They described the incident as only a minor argument.
Reason for the dispute
Hospital, Police and Opposition Accounts
Hospital officials said the confrontation followed questions about CT scans, further treatment, discharge decisions and payment of the medical bill.
Shiv Sena Leaders’ Account
The Shiv Sena leaders said the patients had minor injuries and that they were questioning why some of them were not being discharged after ₹10,000 had already been paid.
Political interpretation
Hospital, Police and Opposition Accounts
NCP (SP) called the incident an attack on the medical system and organised hooliganism, while Congress described it as political hooliganism and demanded accountability.
Shiv Sena Leaders’ Account
Sankhe’s account presents the episode as a treatment-and-discharge disagreement rather than the assault and intimidation alleged by hospital officials.
- People booked
- 17 Shiv Sena office-bearers and supporters
- Named accused
- Kundan Sankhe, Rahul Gharat and Rohit Gavit
- Patients treated
- Reports refer to five injured troupe members and seven injured people treated at the hospital
- Treatment dispute
- The hospital sought ₹19,866; another report described the estimated cost as about ₹20,000
- Payment made
- Organisers reportedly deposited ₹10,000, with the balance said to be payable by the Shiv Sena district chief
- Police action
- The case invokes provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Maharashtra’s Medicare Service Persons and Institutions protection law
- Investigation
- Police are examining hospital CCTV footage and gathering other evidence
