THANE: An orthopaedist was allegedly assaulted by the son of a patient at a private hospital in Kalyan late on Saturday night, raising fresh concerns over the safety of doctors in the region.The incident comes weeks after two doctors, including a woman doctor, were allegedly assaulted by Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre and his supporters at a civic-run hospital in the region.Dr Yogendra Jaiswal said he was examining Jaywant Deshmukh, who had suffered a rib fracture, and explaining his medication, bandaging and precautions when the patient’s son, identified as Nitin Deshmukh, repeatedly questioned him from outside the cabin.Jaiswal alleged that Nitin was addressing him informally and disrespectfully. “I told him that I was speaking to him respectfully by using ‘aap’, while he was addressing me as ‘tu’,” he said. The patient also reportedly objected to his son’s behaviour and asked him to leave.According to Jaiswal, Nitin then entered the cabin, abused him and allegedly assaulted him. The commotion continued for around five to six minutes, leaving other patients frightened. Jaiswal called 112, following which police reached the hospital and the accused left.Police confirmed that an FIR has been registered and said further investigation is underway.In early July, Mhatre was allegedly caught on camera assaulting two doctors, including a woman doctor, while his supporters allegedly attacked other staff members and nurses.The Bombay High Court later granted bail to Mhatre and the other accused and directed them to remain outside Maharashtra until further orders. Mhatre is currently in Goa.
