Businessman rams car into 11 in busy Ghatkopar Market

MUMBAI: A seven-year-old girl was critically injured and 10 others escaped with minor injuries after a trader rammed his car into them at Bhatwadi Market in Ghatkopar (W) on Friday night.
Police said the driver, Babban Chikne (48), inserted the key into the car's ignition and stepped on the accelerator without realizing that it was already in gear.This caused the car to zoom ahead for about 50ft; it rammed into 11 people and two shops before coming to a halt after hitting an electricity distribution box.
Chikne panicked and fled, leaving his car on the spot. He was arrested on Saturday morning from his residence in Bhatwadi and charged with rash and negligent driving and causing grievous hurt. He was later released on bail against a surety of Rs 5,000.
"Chikne said he went into shock after stepping on the accelerator and couldn't hit the brakes. He ran away after crashing his car into the electricity box. We seized the vehicle and traced him through the car's registration number," said inspector R Gaikwad of the Ghatkopar police.
Chikne owns a spice shop in Asalpha village.
Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred between 8.45pm and 9pm. The victims were taken to Rajawadi Hospital; most were discharged after being administered first aid. One victim was shifted to Sion Hospital. The seven-year-old girl, Bhoomi Sawant, and her father Santosh were taken to a private hospital in Ghatkopar. Santosh sustained a fracture while trying to pull Bhoomi away from the car.
Cops said all victims, except for Bhoomi, are out of danger.
7 -year-old in hosp with skull fracture
Bhoomi Sawant (7), who was knocked down by the car, has sustained a skull fracture and severe injuries along the ear. Dr B Deora of Xynavo Heartcare Hospital in Ghatkopar, where she is being treated, said, "We did a CT scan and the reports don't suggest any internal injuries as of now." Bhoomi's parents are planning to shift her to Hinduja Hospital as she has been bleeding from her ears since the accident.