Navi Mumbai: A man was held on charges of extortion for allegedly using political pressure to obtain a compensation of Rs 2 lakh from a private hospital in Kalamboli. The man had claimed that his wife did not receive appropriate treatment there.

Jaideep Bhagat’s wife, Swati, was treated at Dr Singh’s City Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Kalamboli, from March 9-12 for kidney stone.

Police stated that despite treatment, Swati was not feeling well and was taken to a hospital in Vashi where she again underwent treatment. The couple stated that they paid Rs 80,000 to Dr Singh’s City Hospital and Medical Research Centre. However, the treatment was not done properly and Bhagat went to meet Dr AK Singh regarding the same. He told the doctor that since his wife would be treated again in another hospital, they should receive compensation. The doctor refused to pay the compensation.

Bhagat, along with his relatives, friends and some local politicians, went to the hospital and threatened to cause damage to the hospital if they do not receive the compensation.

Dr Singh thus agreed to pay Rs 2 lakh as asked by Bhagat, issuing a cheque dated April 2. The doctor got an acknowledgement signed by the accused and the political leaders stating that the money has been given since the leaders and their supporters have insisted on paying the money. It was also stated in the acknowledgement that the hospital would not face any further liability towards Swati.

After they left the hospital, the doctor approached the police and got an FIR registered. Senior Police Inspector, Kalamboli police station, Satish Gaikwad, said that the accused has been arrested and booked on charges of extortion and using threats under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and Doctor’s Protection Act.