Thane

A court in Thane, Maharashtra, has sentenced nine individuals to up to two years of rigorous imprisonment for attacking medical staff and damaging property at a government hospital. The ruling, issued by Additional Sessions Judge A.N. Sirsikar, found that the accused formed an unlawful assembly out of frustration over the medical treatment received by a deceased relative. This incident occurred on July 20, 2013, when a patient was brought dead to Thane Civil Hospital. Following the announcement of the patient’s death, angry relatives assaulted medical staff and caused damage, blaming doctors for not responding quickly enough.

The court highlighted the importance of protecting public servants, stating that medical professionals should work without fear of violence. The judge emphasized that society must support these individuals to prevent them from becoming demoralized in their duties. Sentences included three months for unlawful assembly, one year for rioting, and two years for damaging public property. One accused was acquitted, and another died during the trial.