Mystery deepens over burn injuries suffered by 10-year-old boy; child makes shocking claim

KOLLAM: A mystery has emerged over the burn injuries suffered by a 10-year-old special needs boy, who sustained severe burns on his abdomen and thigh after hot water reportedly fell on him. When questioned by doctors and hospital staff, the boy reportedly claimed that his father was responsible for the burns. However, relatives and police say the father was not present at the scene when the incident occurred.

The incident took place around 11 a.m. on May 31. The victim, Akshay, is the only son of Jayesh and Sudhi and lives at Suja Bhavan in Mynagappally. According to relatives, Sudhi, who is separated from her husband, has been living at her family home in Mynagappally. Since a new house is being built using funds sanctioned by the local panchayat for her father, Thulasi, the family has been staying in the kitchen area of their old house.

Relatives said that on the day of the incident, Akshay fell into a ditch while riding his bicycle. When Sudhi went to help retrieve the bicycle, the boy ran into the kitchen and grabbed a vessel containing boiling water. The vessel tilted, causing the hot water to spill onto him and resulting in serious burns.

The child was immediately taken to Karunagappally Taluk Hospital and later shifted to Kollam District Hospital the same evening. He remained under observation in the casualty ward overnight. The following morning, after receiving treatment, doctors advised the family to return for a consultation with a plastic surgeon.

During a subsequent examination, doctors noticed marks on the boy's thigh that appeared to be caused by a beating. When asked about the injuries, the child allegedly said that his father had burned him. Hospital authorities then informed the police and the Child Welfare Committee. The boy was later shifted to SAT Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram for specialised treatment.

Although Sudhi and her husband legally separated two years ago, she and her son had reportedly stayed at her husband's house in Pattazhy about a month ago. Following another dispute, they returned to Mynagappally two weeks ago. Police said they will investigate the marks found on the child's thigh. District Child Welfare Committee Chairperson G. Prasannakumari said further action will be decided after obtaining more information from the child.