Toddler run over by tractor at Kheda unit

Ahmedabad: A one-and-a-half-year-old boy died after being run over by a tractor at an industrial unit in Kheda district, leading Kathlal police to book a co-worker for alleged negligence based on a complaint filed by the child's father on Sunday.The complainant, Sandeep Baria, 31, a labourer from Dahod district, told police that he and his wife were employed at a private firm situated on the Kathlal-Anara-Singodiya Road. The couple, along with their youngest son, had been staying in accommodation provided by the company. Baria was working as a machine operator, while his wife was employed as a helper. According to the complaint lodged on Saturday, the accident took place a day earlier when the couple resumed work after the lunch break. Their toddler, who had accompanied them to the workplace, was playing near the ramp outside the firm's godown. Around 2.30pm, a co-worker, identified as Sharatna Bhabhor from Mahisagar district, allegedly drove a green tractor out of the godown at a high speed and in a negligent manner. While moving out, the tractor allegedly ran over the child, who was playing close to the ramp. The child suffered serious abdominal injuries as the tractor wheel passed over him. He also sustained injuries to his right arm and leg. The parents, along with the company manager, rushed the toddler to a private hospital in Kathlal, from where doctors referred him to a higher medical facility considering the critical nature of his injuries. Acting on medical advice, the boy was shifted to the Civil Hospital in Asarwa in the city, where he was admitted to the intensive care unit. Despite undergoing treatment, he died due to his injuries early on Sunday morning. Police said a case has been registered against the tractor driver and further investigation is underway.