A shocking incident of violence against a child has emerged from Vasai, where an autorickshaw driver allegedly assaulted a four-year-old boy in a brutal act of revenge linked to a dispute with the child’s father.
Child attacked inside housing society
The victim, identified as Vignesh, was playing within his residential complex when he reportedly entered a parked autorickshaw. Police said the accused, Sandeep Pawar (27), reacted violently, grabbing the child and slamming his head against the vehicle’s iron bar.
He then dragged the boy by his legs and repeatedly hit him against the ground, continuing the assault even as the child lay defenceless.
Assault continued on staircase
According to officials, the accused dragged the child towards a staircase and continued the attack. When the child’s grandmother attempted to intervene, she too was assaulted.
The entire incident was captured on CCTV, which has since become key evidence in the investigation.
Delay in medical treatment raises concern
Neighbours immediately alerted the child’s father, who rushed him to nearby hospitals. However, the family alleged that at least four hospitals in Vasai refused to admit the critically injured child, citing lack of facilities.
The boy was eventually admitted to a hospital in Mira Road around 11 pm and is currently undergoing treatment in the intensive care unit.
Arrest and charges
Following a complaint by the child’s father, Vasai police arrested the accused. He has been booked for attempt to murder under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with provisions under the Juvenile Justice Act.
Motive linked to personal dispute
Police said preliminary investigation suggests the accused targeted the child to settle a personal dispute with his father. Authorities are now probing the nature of this dispute.
The incident has triggered outrage among residents, raising serious concerns about child safety and the urgent need for accountability in such cases.