An autorickshaw driver in Vasai has been arrested for brutally assaulting a four-year-old boy, allegedly to take revenge on the child’s father over an old dispute. The boy, Vignesh, is now fighting for his life in the ICU of a Mira Road hospital after being refused treatment at four local hospitals.
According to Vasai police, Vignesh is the son of Atul Kondhare, 32, and the family resides in Anupam Ghar Sankul, near the Vasai court. On Monday at around 8:00 pm, Vignesh was playing with other children within the housing society premises when he wandered into a parked autorickshaw and sat inside. Witnesses say the driver, 27-year-old Sandeep Pawar, reacted violently, grabbing the boy, slamming his head against the iron bar holding the rickshaw meter, and dragging him by his legs, repeatedly striking him against the ground.
The assault continued as Pawar carried Vignesh to the staircase leading to the first floor, where he allegedly continued to hit the child. When Vignesh’s grandmother tried to intervene, she was also assaulted. The entire incident was captured on the society’s CCTV.
Neighbours immediately contacted Kondhare, who rushed his son to a nearby hospital. However, the hospital staff were unable to treat Vignesh’s injuries. After three more hospitals refused admission, the family finally reached Wockhardt Hospital in Mira Road, where the child was admitted to the ICU at 11:00 pm.
Kondhare filed a complaint with Vasai police. Pawar has since been arrested and charged under sections related to attempted murder (Section 109), causing grievous harm (Section 115 of the BNS), and provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act.
Senior Police Inspector Balkrishna Ghadigaonkar stated that Pawar had a prior dispute with the child’s father and assaulted the child as an act of revenge. “We are investigating the nature of the dispute,” he added.
Also Read: Mumbai Sees Rise In Impulsive Crime Cases; 20 Murders In 2 Months