‘Burned the child with lighter to stop him from running around, child was an obstacle to their lives'

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: More details have emerged in the case involving the death of one-and-a-half-year-old child in Nedumangad. According to police, the child's mother and stepfather admitted during questioning that the child had been subjected to repeated abuse.

The accused told police that the child was hyperactive and was allegedly burned with a lighter to prevent him from running around. Police also found that when the child suffered fracture on his arms after falling from a bicycle, he was not taken to a hospital for 12 days. Despite swelling, pain, and continuous crying, medical treatment was allegedly delayed.

The child's mother, Akhila, and her partner, Ashkar, are in police custody presently. During interrogation, the accused confessed to the atrocities they committed against the child. The two told police that the child was an obstacle to their lives. Police said the child was subjected to frequent physical abuse.

Investigators further allege that after being assaulted, the child was taken on a trip to Madurai. Even when the child later collapsed after returning home, they failed to provide proper care or medical attention to him.

The stepfather told doctors that the child became ill after food got stuck in his throat. However, injuries found on the child's body raised suspicions among the medical staff.
The child lost his life on May 29. A post-mortem examination later revealed evidence of severe physical injuries, leading investigators to suspect prolonged abuse before the child's death.