MUMBAI: Expressing dissatisfaction with the investigation into Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre, who is accused of assaulting doctors at a hospital, and the alleged preferential treatment extended to him by the police, the Bombay HC on Monday directed that the case be transferred to the DCP of the concerned zone.The court observed that no meaningful investigation was conducted immediately after the alleged incident and said the police had shown a “rare respect” for the accused, according to news agency PTI.“In fact, the police officials (in-charge of the probe) obliged Mhatre and had sought permission from a local court to produce him via video conference for remand. They (police) showed a rare respect for the accused,” the bench said.A bench of Acting Chief Justice Ravindra Ghuge and Justice Gautam Ankhad ordered that the investigation be handed over to the DCP of the concerned zone.“The DCP shall take over the probe as expeditiously as possible and ensure that all appropriate steps are taken to record statements of complainant, victims, and witnesses by granting them adequate protection,” the bench said and ordered the DCP to intimate the court on the progress of the investigation on July 31.The high courtalso criticised Mhatre’s conduct during the alleged incident and after his arrest.“He is an elected corporator. He is in public life and has vowed to serve the public. Why then does he behave like this?” the HC asked.The bench further remarked that it was surprising to see a public representative seek votes from people before an election and later allegedly assault members of the same public.“This is very strange and counterproductive,” the high court observed.The court also noted that after being remanded to judicial custody, Mhatre got himself admitted to a hospital, claiming that his blood pressure was high. However, it pointed out that he appeared to be in good health during the alleged assault on doctors.The bench further observed that after being granted bail, Mhatre walked out of the hospital immediately and was welcomed by a large number of supporters.According to the case, Mhatre and his aides allegedly attacked doctors and medical staff at a civic hospital in Dombivli, Thane district, on July 6 after relatives of a pregnant patient accused the hospital of delaying her treatment.A magistrate’s court granted Mhatre bail on July 15.Earlier this month, the Bombay High Court took suo motu cognisance of the matter, expressing concern over the “gravity and seriousness” of the incident. It stayed the Kalyan court’s order granting bail to Mhatre, describing it as “perverse”.Following the High Court’s intervention, Mhatre surrendered before the police and is currently in judicial custody.During Monday’s hearing, senior counsel Aabad Ponda, appearing for Mhatre, urged the High Court to vacate its earlier order staying the bail. He submitted that strict conditions could be imposed on his client.A lesson has been learnt, and a hard message has been sent across, Ponda said, adding that Mhatre was even willing to stay out of Maharashtra until the charge sheet in the case is filed.Senior advocate Ashok Mundargi, who was appointed by the court to assist in the matter, said Mhatre could be released on bail, provided the investigation is completed within a fixed timeline to ensure a fair probe.
