Bombay High Court denies immediate bail to corporator Ramesh Mhatre in doctor assault case
The Bombay High Court denied urgent bail to Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre, who is accused of assaulting a doctor. The court cited the ongoing investigation and the need to protect witnesses as primary reasons for the denial.
Why it matters
The case highlights judicial concerns regarding the influence of political figures on criminal investigations and the safety of medical professionals.
The Bombay High Court, on Friday (July 31, 2026), refused to grant urgent bail to Ramesh Mhatre, the corporator accused of assaulting a doctor at a municipal hospital in Dombivli. Mhatre is a member of the Shiv Sena, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
A division bench of Acting Chief Justice Ravindra Dhuge and Justice Gautam Ankhad made the decision after considering the stage of the police investigation. The court noted that the original complainant, Dr. Vaibhav Salunkhe, has not yet conducted the identification parade to confirm the identity of the accused. Additionally, the police are required to record statements from more witnesses and collect further evidence.
The court has directed the state government to provide protection to the victim, Dr. Salunkhe, and other witnesses involved in the case. The bench clarified that the bail application will be heard next on August 6.
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