Mentally-ill man attacks attendant in Thane

The attendant, Dattaram Burkunde, 44, suffered deep injuries on his throat and neck

A mentally-ill man brutally attacked an attendant of Thane Mental Hospital with a pair of scissors while he was being admitted to the psychiatric facility on Wednesday.

The incident took place at the Thane Mental Hospital on Wednesday. (HT File Photo)

The attendant, Dattaram Burkunde, 44, suffered deep injuries on his throat and neck.

Sources from Wagle Estate police station told HT that the man, identified as Dalvi, was irked when Burkhunde asked him to stand in a queue for admission.

Dalvi lost his temper and attacked Burkhunde with a pair or scissors lying nearby.

“Burkhunde grabbed his hand and stopped him in the nick of time. Otherwise he could have suffered from serious injuries . Burkhunde started bleeding and was rushed to Thane civil hospital. He is currently out of danger, but is being kept under observation for the next couple of days,” said R Malekar, senior police inspector from Wagle Estate police station.

“There have been similar cases in the past where mentally challenged patients got aggressive and attacked their caretakers,” he said.

“Hospitals need to be more vigilant while handling such patients, especially near sharp instruments.”

The Wagle Estate police said they have registered a case against the accused under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code.