Punjab shocker: 5-year-old boy allegedly beaten by aunt in Barnala, burn marks found on body
A 5-year-old boy in Barnala was allegedly beaten and burned by his aunt. Doctors found multiple injury and burn marks
PTC Web Desk: A five-year-old boy in Punjab’s Barnala district was allegedly subjected to severe physical abuse by his aunt, with doctors finding multiple injury and burn marks on his body.
The matter came to light after the child arrived at school with visible injuries. Photos and a video of the boy were reportedly recorded and later circulated on social media, drawing attention to the alleged abuse.
Following the circulation of the footage, members of a Patiala-based social organisation reached the village. With assistance from the village panchayat, local residents, police and the Child Development Department, the child was taken to Barnala Civil Hospital for treatment.
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Child alleges repeated physical abuse
According to the child, his aunt would beat him with sticks and allegedly use a hot iron tongs and heated griddle to burn him. The boy alleged that he was sometimes made to stand outside in the scorching heat for hours while carrying a heavy bottle of water.
Doctors examining the child found several injury and burn marks on his body. He is currently undergoing treatment at the hospital and is reported to be out of danger.
Father says he was unaware of the alleged abuse
The child's father, Mool Chand, said his wife had died and that his elder brother, who has four daughters, had no son. Around two-and-a-half years ago, he said, he gave his younger son to his elder brother's family to be raised by them.
The father said he left home early each morning for daily-wage work and returned late in the evening. He claimed this made it difficult for him to know what was happening to his son.
He has demanded strict legal action against the woman accused of assaulting the child.
Police awaiting medical report
The police have started examining the allegations. After the medical report, statements of the family members would be recorded.
The police said legal action would be taken against the accused woman based on the medical findings and statements.
A tea from the Child Protection Department also visited the hospital and begun looking into the circumstances surrounding the alleged abuse.