The Bombay High Court has transferred the investigation in the suo motu case arising from the alleged assault on doctors at a police station in Kalyan to a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), while directing that the probe be completed fairly, swiftly, and with adequate protection for victims and witnesses.
A Division Bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Ravindra V. Ghuge and Justice Gautam A. Ankhad passed the directions on July 27, 2026, during the hearing of the court-initiated proceedings.
Background of the Case
The matter is being heard as a suo motu writ petition initiated by the Bombay High Court following allegations connected with an incident involving medical professionals. During the hearing, counsel appearing for the accused informed the court that the first accused was willing to remain outside Maharashtra until the investigation was completed and the charge sheet was filed, if such a condition would help remove fears expressed by the alleged victims. The accused also agreed to comply with any additional conditions imposed by the court.
Counsel for the other accused adopted the same stand, stating that they too would abide by any conditions directed by the court.
Court Observations
The court was informed by the Amicus Curiae that while the investigation should proceed on a fast track, the objective remained a free and fair investigation with proper protection for victims and witnesses.
As recorded in the order,
“A free and fair investigation is the fundamental object which the investigating agency has to achieve and while conducting such free and fair investigation, the victims and witnesses have to be adequately protected.”
The State also informed the Bench that CCTV footage from the concerned police station and the civil hospital had been preserved and remained available.
Complaint of Threats to Witnesses
During the hearing, counsel representing one of the complainants submitted that a doctor continued to receive threats after the incident and sought either police protection or arrangements for recording his statement from his native place due to security concerns. The prosecution informed the court that statements of several victims, nurses, and medical officers had already been recorded and that the remaining witnesses would be examined shortly.
Court's Decision
Accepting the State's submission, the High Court directed that the investigation be transferred to the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Zone-III, Kalyan, who was asked to take charge without delay. The Bench further ordered that adequate police protection be provided while recording statements of the complainant, victims, and remaining witnesses in accordance with law.
The court also directed the Registry to coordinate with the Principal District Judge, Washim, for recording the complainant Dr. Vaibhav Salunke's statement before an appropriate Magistrate under Section 183 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), after which the statement would be forwarded to the investigating officer.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on July 31, 2026, when the DCP is expected to report the progress of the investigation.
Case Details
Case Title: High Court on its own Motion v. Ramesh Sukrya Mhatre & Ors.
Case Number: Suo Motu Writ Petition No. 1 of 2026
Judge: Acting Chief Justice Ravindra V. Ghuge and Justice Gautam A. Ankhad
Decision Date: July 27, 2026
