3 hrs ago
Bombay High Court Criticizes Palghar Hospital Attack Probe
A group of people allegedly went to a hospital in Palghar after a festival.
They said the hospital was charging too much money.
The group allegedly damaged the hospital and hurt medical workers.
They also took injured people out of the intensive care unit.
Police opened a case against 22 people.
The Bombay High Court said the police investigation was not being done properly.
The court worried that mistakes in the investigation could help the accused.
It ordered a senior police officer to review the case and report back.
The Bombay High Court called the Palghar police investigation “lackadaisical,” “ridiculous” and seriously flawed.
The court said the police action appeared superficial and could ultimately benefit the accused.
The incident occurred between September 5 and 6 at Relief Hospital after Dahi Handi celebrations.
Several alleged Shiv Sena workers reportedly vandalized the hospital, assaulted staff and removed injured patients from the ICU.
Police registered an FIR against 22 people; one was arrested, 12 others were later arrested, and nine remained absconding.
- Who
- The accused include alleged Shiv Sena workers, including district chief Kundan Sankhe, city chief Rahul Gharat, and others; the Palghar police are investigating.
- What
- The Bombay High Court criticized the investigation into an alleged hospital vandalism and assault involving medical staff and patients.
- Where
- Relief Hospital in Palghar; the matter was heard by the Bombay High Court in Mumbai.
- When
- The alleged attack took place between the night of September 5 and 6; the court ordered a report for September 17.
- Why
- The court said the police probe appeared superficial and legally questionable, potentially benefiting the accused; the alleged attackers claimed the hospital was charging high fees.
High Court’s concerns
Attackers’ stated complaint
Reason for the hospital incident
High Court’s concerns
The court focused on the alleged assault, vandalism and the police investigation, saying the probe was seriously flawed and might benefit the accused.
Attackers’ stated complaint
The alleged Shiv Sena workers claimed the hospital was charging high fees, according to the report.
Key facts
- Court order
- The Additional Inspector General of Police, Konkan division, must examine the investigation and submit a report.
- Report deadline
- September 17
- FIR total
- Twenty-two people were named in the FIR.
- Arrests
- Rahul Gharat was arrested, and police later said 12 people initially listed as unknown had also been arrested.
- Absconding accused
- Nine accused were reported absconding.
- Anticipatory bail
- Three of the absconding accused sought anticipatory bail, but their pleas were rejected.
- Alleged conduct
- The group allegedly vandalized hospital property, threatened doctors, assaulted staff and forcibly removed injured ICU patients.
Sources
Related news
Bombay High Court Warns Crime Branch Over Palghar Hospital Probe
Bombay High Court Summons Palghar SP Over Hospital Violence
Palghar Hospital Violence: 14 Arrested as Court Criticizes Probe
Shiv Sena Leader Arrested in Palghar Hospital Clash Case
17 Shiv Sena Leaders Booked After Palghar Hospital Clash
Palghar Hospital Case: Court Extends Rahul Gharat’s Police Custody
