Two men have been detained in Zhejiang province in connection with the death of a 13-month-old baby boy, following a dispute between his parents and officials who had tried to fine them for having more children than the nation's family planning policy allows.

Initial investigations suggest that Bai, the Party chief of a community in Mayu township of Rui'an city, and a driver identified as Cheng could face criminal charges, after the boy was reportedly killed by being run over by a van owned by the township government, the Party committee of Rui'an told People's Daily on Wednesday.

The incident happened around noon on Monday, when 11 community officials drove to their village in the township to fine Chen Liandi and his wife Li Yuhong, both 39, for having one more child than the nation's policy allows.

People's Daily reported that Chen became emotional and tried to challenge the officials, but the report did not say how the baby came to fall and be run over by the van. The boy was sent to hospital, but died from his injuries.

Following the tragedy, Bai, who is believed to have played the main role in the incident, and Cheng were arrested, the city government said on its official micro blog.