Navi Mumbai: A truck driver has been booked by APMC police for causing death by negligence after he ran over a man who was sleeping below the truck. The incident occurred on Monday afternoon in APMC Market, where the victim, seeking relief from the scorching heat, had laid down in the shade of a parked truck. The driver, without checking the area around or beneath the vehicle, started the truck, leading to the fatal accident.

The deceased has been identified as Pandurang Bapu Patil (47), a resident of Kopari Village, Sector 26, and a native of Sangli district. He worked as a porter in the market and often sought shade in the area during peak afternoon hours, said police.

According to police reports, the accident took place between 12 pm and 1 pm near Dana Market, Gate No. 3, on the Mathadi Circle to Puneet Corner road. “Patil, trying to escape the intense heat, was resting under a stationary truck when the driver, failing to conduct a proper check, carelessly moved the vehicle, running over the victim and causing his instant death,” the police said.

Upon receiving information about the accident, APMC police rushed to the scene and launched an investigation. “In the investigations we found that the driver’s negligence was responsible for the incident. As a result, a case has been registered against the truck driver,” the police added.