The Bombay High Court has called the Palghar Police’s investigation into the recent vandalism at Relief Hospital 'ridiculous' and 'seriously flawed.' The court has ordered a senior police official to review the case after 14 new arrests, including the son of a local Shiv Sena MLA, were made on September 11.
The Bombay High Court has expressed strong disapproval regarding the handling of an investigation into the vandalism and assault incident at Relief Hospital in Palghar. On Friday, September 11, 2026, a bench consisting of Justices A.S. Gadkari and Kamal Khata labeled the police probe as 'ridiculous' and 'seriously flawed,' noting that the initial investigative efforts appeared to be 'merely superficial.'
The judicial rebuke follows a violent incident that occurred on the night of September 5, when a group allegedly affiliated with local Shiv Sena workers stormed the private medical facility. The mob reportedly vandalized the hospital, intimidated medical staff, and forcibly removed a patient from the intensive care unit. The attackers claimed the hospital was charging excessive fees for the care of injured participants from local Dahi Handi festivities.
On the day of the court’s hearing, the Palghar Police reported the arrest of 14 additional individuals in connection with the case. Among those taken into custody was Rohit Gavit, the son of Shiv Sena MLA Rajendra Gavit. This latest development follows earlier criticism from the bench, which had questioned why many of the accused remained at large in the days following the event. Legal counsel highlighted that the police investigation lacked the necessary rigor expected in a sensitive case involving healthcare professionals.
During the proceedings, the court highlighted significant administrative lapses that have compromised the legal integrity of the case. Specifically, the bench pointed to errors within the station case diary and the preparation of the panchnama—the official spot inspection report. The judges noted that such procedural inefficiencies could potentially weaken the prosecution's case in court.
In response to these findings, the High Court has directed the Additional Inspector General of Police for the Konkan division to conduct a thorough review of the entire investigation. A formal report regarding the legality and validity of the police action taken thus far must be submitted to the court by September 17, 2026. This case, which has drawn comparisons to similar incidents of violence against healthcare workers in Thane, remains a key focus for judicial monitoring regarding institutional accountability and law enforcement efficiency.