'Enter, don't spare doctors': Sena workers accused of attacking staff at Palghar hospital

A private hospital in Palghar was allegedly attacked by Shiv Sena workers after a dispute over the discharge of five patients injured at a Dahi Handi event. The argument began after the Sena members advised against early discharge for one of the patients, Omkar Kalwadkar. The police have registered an FIR and launched a probe. The incident, captured on video, took place at Relief Hospital, where a doctor, Dr Vishal Kodgirkar, claims the Sena group forcibly removed an IV line and took Kalwadkar away after midnight.

The hospital staff member alleged that the Sena group demanded a discount for treatment, which the hospital refused. A female colleague was reportedly abused by the group, causing distress among the staff. The Sena group, led by Kundan Balkrishna Sankhe, threatened to demolish the hospital and ordered the ICU nurse to remove saline lines from Kalwadkar.

The incident has sparked outrage, with NCP(SP) chief spokesperson Mahesh Tapase calling it a repetition of a pattern and an example of political patronage leading to fear in hospitals.