Autorickshaw driver hits seven schoolchildren in Govandi, held

Seven children, who were practising their Independence Day parade outside the Sainik Hindi High School in Govandi, were hit by an autorickshaw driver on Monday morning.

Seven children, who were practising their Independence Day parade outside the Sainik Hindi High School in Govandi, were hit by an autorickshaw driver on Monday morning.

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According to eyewitnesses, the driver, Irshat Khan, 28, lost control over the vehicle because he was talking on his mobile phone. The incident took place at 10.40am on Monday.

“The seven schoolchildren, aged between 12 and 15 years, were rehearsing for their march past outside their school gate. Suddenly, an autorickshaw hit them,” said Vikas Bharmel, sub-inspector, Deonar police station.

Dashrat Yadav, the physical training teacher at the school who was present at the spot, confirmed that Khan was talking on his mobile phone.

Furious, locals beat up Khan and damaged his vehicle. He was arrested on charges of rash driving and causing grievous hurt.

The children were taken to Shatabdi hospital, where five of them were discharged after first aid.

Mustafa Siddiqui, 15, a Class 9 student, suffered injuries to his hand, legs and nose while Shaikh Sabir, 14, fractured his hand.