Tractor driver linked to 11 deaths in Khandwa arrested:Claims event organisers forced him to cross despite broken culvert

In Khandwa, a tractor-trolley overturned, killing 11 people, including children, on Thursday. The driver, Deepak Kirade, fled after the mishap but was arrested by police from his maternal uncle’s village on Friday. Driver says he was forced to drive Deepak Kirade, the tractor driver, claimed that the organising committee forced him to take the vehicle to the backwater. He said he was also injured in the accident and was trapped under the tractor for 15 minutes. “I pulled out three children alive. My nephew Ayush died and my two cousins were injured,” Deepak said. Tractor belonged to someone else Deepak explained that the tractor was not his. It belonged to a villager named Dharmendra. He said he had gone to the immersion on his bike, but the committee members insisted that he drive the tractor. Driver warned committee multiple times Deepak claimed that he stopped the tractor three times on the way and asked the committee to immerse the idol earlier. However, they refused and told him to take it to the backwater near Jamli village. Culvert collapse led to overturn When the tractor reached the backwater, the culvert had broken sections and deep water. As the tractor crossed, one wheel got stuck in a pit. The vehicle lost balance and fell into the water. “The trolley tilted, and some adults escaped. There were 35 people in total, including children. Soon after, the trolley also fell into the water,” Deepak said. Tractor was in gear, not neutral Responding to allegations, Deepak said the tractor was not in neutral. He was driving in first gear and had six years of driving experience. “I never did this intentionally. I feel very sad. I too could have died, but then who would look after my family?” he added. Hiding after the accident After the accident, Deepak hid at his maternal uncle’s house in Arud village. He was caught by Pandhana police the next morning. Deepak, who got married a year ago, said his family includes his wife and parents. He owns 20 acres of land and a tractor of his own.