Bombay HC Slams Palghar Police for 'Lethargic' Probe into Hospital Assault, Orders IG Supervision

The Bombay High Court on Friday sharply criticised the Palghar police for their "lethargic" investigation into an alleged assault on doctors at a hospital on September 6. The court directed the Special Inspector General (Konkan Range) to personally supervise the probe and submit a report by September 17.

Examining the spot panchnama, the bench found it merely reproduced statements from the investigating officer without seizing or sealing vital evidence. The court noted the panchnama did not even mention a saline bottle removed from a Govindas admitted to ICU, raising concerns about evidence collection. "Prima facie, it reflects upon the quality of investigation," the bench observed.

The case involves an alleged assault by Shiv Sainiks at the hospital over treatment of a patient named Govindas. Police have arrested 13 persons so far—9 named in the FIR remain absconding. Three sought anticipatory bail, which was rejected. Twelve additional unidentified persons were arrested based on CCTV footage.