A shocking incident at a clinic in Dombivli, near Mumbai, has taken a new turn with the emergence of a second video showing the receptionist slapping a man's relative moments before being violently attacked. The Manpada police in Dombivli have arrested 25-year-old Gokul Jha for assaulting Sonali Kalasar, a receptionist at Dr. Aniket Palande's Shree Balchikitsalaya Clinic in Nandivali.
Initial reports and CCTV footage revealed Jha kicking, punching, and dragging Kalasar by her hair after she asked him to wait his turn. The incident occurred on Monday evening when Jha, along with his family, brought a child to the clinic for a check-up. According to police reports, Jha became agitated when he saw the doctor speaking with a medical representative and tried to force his way into the doctor's cabin. Kalasar stopped him, explaining that it was not his turn yet and requesting him to wait. This led to an argument and the subsequent assault.
However, a recently surfaced video presents a different perspective on the events. The new footage shows an argument between the receptionist and Jha's family, including his sister-in-law. During the exchange, Jha moved aggressively towards the receptionist but was pulled back by his relative. Despite being asked to leave, he re-entered the area and was pushed away again by the woman accompanying him. As the argument escalated, the receptionist is seen leaving her desk, throwing papers, approaching Jha's sister-in-law, and slapping her while continuing to shout. Following this, the other man in the group confronted the receptionist, and Jha returned to assault her.
The receptionist, Sonali Kalasar, sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment at Janaki Hospital. Dr. Moin Sheikh, who is overseeing her care, reported injuries to her neck, legs, and chest, with concerns that she may suffer from partial paralysis due to the extent of the trauma.
The accused, Gokul Jha, has a prior criminal record. He was arrested on Tuesday after allegedly attempting to evade capture by changing his appearance. He was presented before the Kalyan District and Sessions Court on Wednesday and has been remanded to police custody for two days. The police have registered a case against Jha under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for assault, using obscene language, and outraging the modesty of a woman.
The incident sparked outrage, with members of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), Shiv Sena, and BJP protesting and demanding the immediate arrest of the accused. MNS leaders even assisted in Jha's capture in the Newali area of Ambernath.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Atul Zende stated that violence of this kind would not be tolerated and commended the police force and citizens for their alertness in apprehending Jha. He also noted Jha's criminal history, including previous cases registered at Vitthalwadi and Kolsewadi police stations.
Authorities are scrutinizing CCTV footage from the clinic and surrounding areas to identify everyone involved in the incident.