The suspect can be seen in the CCTV footage just before he slammed the kid on ground
A horrifying incident at Moscow鈥檚 Sheremetyevo International Airport has left an 18-month-old boy in a coma after he was violently slammed to the ground by a tourist. The child had just arrived in Russia with his pregnant mother, fleeing conflict in Iran via Afghanistan.The attacker, identified as 31-year-old Vladimir Vitkov from Belarus, was caught on CCTV footage in the arrivals hall. In the video, Vitkov is seen glancing around before suddenly grabbing the toddler鈥攚ho stood beside a suitcase鈥攁nd throwing him headfirst onto the hard airport floor.The boy, who suffered a fractured skull and spinal injuries, was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. His mother was reportedly just meters away, collecting the child鈥檚 pushchair, when the assault took place. Witnesses quickly intervened, stopping Vitkov and alerting authorities.Russian officials have launched an attempted murder investigation, also probing potential motives, including racial hatred and drug influence. Traces of cannabis were found in Vitkov鈥檚 system, and additional drugs were reportedly discovered on him. During questioning, Vitkov vaguely admitted to past legal troubles, saying, 鈥淚 made mistakes like that.鈥漋itkov鈥檚 female travel companion was reportedly in shock, and disturbing reports say he has a daughter around the same age as the victim.Live EventsThe attack has sparked global outrage. dMeanwhile, Moscow Region Children’s Ombudswoman Ksenia Mishonova told The Sun: 鈥淎 drug-addled monster grabbed a toddler in the arrivals hall and threw him on the floor with all his might鈥.All this is incredibly difficult to bear. I hope the detained monster will receive the full severity of the law. I wish the child a speedy recovery. May the parents have the strength to survive this.鈥漈he case has triggered intense debate on airport security, mental health screening, and the vulnerability of refugee families. With over 40 million passengers annually, Sheremetyevo is Russia鈥檚 busiest airport鈥攏ow under scrutiny for one of its most chilling incidents.Disturbing footage: The video is quite graphic and hence readers are advised caution.鈥 LASHYBILLS (@LASHYBILLS) (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)
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