Eknath Shinde suspends Shiv Sena's Palghar unit chief over hospital assault case, vows expulsion

Shiv Sena's Palghar district and city unit chiefs, and an MLA's son were booked on Sunday after a dispute with the hospital staff. Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde on Monday suspended Shiv Sena's Palghar unit chief Rahul Gharat, a day after some party workers were accused of assaulting the staff of a private hospital in the town.Sena workers were involved in a dispute with the hospital staff over medical bills of injured 'govindas'. (Sourced)Shiv Sena's Palghar district and city unit chiefs, and an MLA's son were booked on Sunday after a dispute with the hospital staff over medical bills of injured 'Govindas' amid Dahi Handi celebrations.The party functionaries were accused of assaulting, abusing and threatening hospital staff. The police registered a complaint against 17 people, including district chief Kundan Sankhe, city chief Rahul Gharat and Rohit Gavit, and son of local MLA Rajendra Gavit.Row over discharge of injured ‘Govindas’The incident took place after an argument between Sena workers and the hospital staff over the discharge of injured Govindas and payment of their hospital bill.A dispute over the matter turned violent after party functionaries verbally abused and threatened hospital staff, slapped a receptionist and entered the restricted ICU of a private hospital.The incident took place at 1.15 am at Relieef Hospital in Palghar, where five Govindas injured while attempting to break a Dahi Handi organised by Shiv Sena were undergoing treatment.Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read MorePalgharShiv SenaHospitalGet the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather major national developments and Karnataka Bandh LIVE.