Pune, April 5, 2025 

Protests intensified outside Pune’s Dinanath Mangeshkar Hospital as the Sharad Pawar-led faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) staged a symbolic demonstration by throwing coins in front of the hospital gates. The agitation comes in response to the alleged death of a pregnant woman, Tanisha Bhise, due to denial of timely treatment by the hospital administration.

Tanisha Bhise, wife of BJP MLC Amit Gorkhe’s personal assistant Sushant Bhise, reportedly died after hospital authorities allegedly delayed treatment citing payment issues. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with several organizations protesting over the past two days.

On Friday, under the leadership of Pune NCP city president Prashant Jagtap, party workers staged a sit-in protest, demanding strict action against the hospital authorities. Protesters accused the hospital of prioritizing money over human lives and failing to adhere to government-mandated healthcare provisions.

Yesterday, members of the Patitpavan organization blackened the hospital’s nameboard in protest. In response, hospital staff removed the nameplate to prevent further incidents.

Speaking to the media, Prashant Jagtap stated, “The Dinanath Mangeshkar Trust was allotted land by the state government on the condition that affordable treatment would be provided to the public. But the hospital has violated those terms and is extorting lakhs from patients. Despite repeated demands, no action has been taken.”

He further demanded that the state government register a case of culpable homicide against the doctors responsible and take back the hospital land for violating government norms. A state-level inquiry committee has also been formed to investigate the incident.