Mumbai:
A tourism police jeep patrolling Gigaum Chowpatty to ensure the safety of beach goers ended up mowing down a 17-month-old boy on Friday morning.
Though the constable driving the vehicle has been arrested on charges of rash and negligent driving, the police say they are yet to ascertain if the driver was indeed at fault.
The deceased has been identified as Arjun Naidu. His parents are hawkers and reside in hutments in Pattharwadi near Girgaum Chowpatty.
According to the police, the incident occurred at around 11.15am near Bhel Plaza opposite Anandi Milk Centre in Girgaum.
Detailing the sequence of events, deputy commissioner of police (zone II) Anil Kumbhare said, "A tourism police jeep driven by Sunil Sahdev Soni was patrolling near the beach when a boy suddenly came in front of the vehicle from behind a tree."
"Even though the vehicle was not moving at high speed, the boy sustained severe injuries. It was an unfortunate incident and it is hard to say who was at fault," Kumbhare said.
He added that the police team, including Soni, rushed Naidu to Harkisondas Hospital nearby, where he succumbed to the injuries.
The body has been sent to JJ Hospital for post-mortem. The DB Marg police have booked and arrested 39-year-old Soni on charges of rash and negligent driving under section 304 (a) of the Indian Penal Code.
Police officials say this is the first such accident on the beach. "There are hundreds of people a Girgaum Chowpatty all though the day, hence the patrolling jeep always moves at a slow pace. It is the duty of the parents to ensure that their children are safe. We are investigating the case from all possible angles," said Kumbhare.
The tourism police was launched in 2000 to assist foreigners who are new to the city and to keep check on the crimes committed on them. Some important locations manned by the tourism police are Colaba, Cuffe Parade, Marine Drive, Girgaum Chowpatty, Haji Ali junction, Dadar Chowpatty, Worli sea face, Mahim beach, Carter Road, Juhu beach and Gorai beach.
After the 26/11 attacks, the force was strengthened. "Earlier, there used to be only two policemen, including a driver, to keep vigil at the beach round the clock.
These two police officials were unarmed and used to communicate through a wireless with the local police for help in the event of a serious crime.
"But now the tourism policemen are armed with an SLR," said an official serving with the tourism police.
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