KAYAMKULAM: A seven-year-old daughter is in critical condition after her father smacked her during a bid to stop him from brutally thrashing her mother. The father was arrested by police. The child is yet to survive critical stage.

Rajesh (37), of Rajesh Bhavan in Pathiyoor Thottathumuri in Kayamkulam, was arrested for attempted murder. The incident happened on Friday night. The youngest of three children was the victim of his father's intoxication. Rajesh used to beat his wife Shamna and children under the influence of alcohol. The child tried to stop his father after hearing the mother's screams. The other two children were sitting in the corner of the room scared. The child who lost consciousness due to a serious head injury was rushed to the Kayamkulam Government Hospital and later to medical college hospital by the mother and the locals. The locals detained the father at home and handed him over to the police.

Doctors said the child's condition is serious as internal bleeding was found on scanning. The police took the statement of the doctors as well as the child when she regained consciousness. Karilakulangara police said that the accused will be produced in court after completing the Covid test. Rajesh, a laborer, is accused in a complaint lodged with the Karilakulangara police for allegedly assaulting his wife and children.