In a horrific case of child abuse in Nedumangad near Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, a 1.5 year toddler named Arshid was found dead with around 51 injuries and burn marks on his body. The post-mortem examination revealed multiple burn injuries, wounds on the soles of his feet and genitals, signs of internal bleeding, older healed scars, and recent fractures on both hands. The child was taken to a hospital on May 29 after showing discomfort and was declared dead by evening. His mother Akhila, and her live-in partner Ashkar, claimed he had choked on food; they were later arrested.
Police investigations revealed that Ashkar confessed to ban*ing the toddler’s head against a wall when he cried and inflicting b*rn injuries on his soles using a lighter. The couple had earlier claimed the child’s fractured arms resulted from a fall from a bicycle, but family members, including grandparents, had raised suspicions of ongoing abuse and sought custody. Arshid’s biological father had died by suicide two years ago, after which Akhila started living with Ashkar, who has a history of violence. New allegations surface, including claims that Ashkar’s legal first wife was previously left in a year-long coma.
The gruesome incident has sparked public outrage in the area, with locals attempting to attack the accused during police procedures. Both the mother and her partner are now in judicial custody as authorities continue a detailed probe into the prolonged abuse.
