Thodupuzha: In a gory incident, a boy aged seven is battling for his life after he was beaten up and assaulted by his mother’s partner yesterday.
The police arrested the man Arun Anand (36) and have registered various IPC sections, including 303 (attempt to murder), and Juvenile Justice Act against him.
According to media reports, the boy’s four-year-old brother had wet his bed and angered by this the man had beat up the elder one. The accused allegedly hurled the child on the ground smashing his head on an almirah and used a walking stick to beat him up.
The victim suffered critical head injuries and although emergency surgery was performed at a private medical college hospital at Kolenchery in Ernakulam district, his condition continues to be critical.
The police had recorded statements from the younger sibling and their mother. The boys father had died 10 months ago. The incident came to light after police and Child Helpline authorities were informed about the child’s worsening health condition from the hospital where he was admitted. Police have reported that the victim’s 4-year-old brother had also sustained injuries all over his body.
Reacting to the news, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan directed the hospital to ensure all possible expert treatment to the boy and also sought an immediate report from the Idukki district authorities on the incident.
The child’s treatment expenses would be borne by the State government announced the health minister. He further issued a statement saying that strict action will be taken against those engaged in cruelty to children and covering up of assaults against children is also a grave crime.