Kerala toddler abused, killed by mother's lover, autopsy reveals 51 severe injuries
PTC News Desk: A horrific case of brutal toddler murder has come to the fore from Kerala where a one-and-a-half-year-old child was beaten to death by her mother's lover. The post-mortem has revealed chilling details of long-term torture, physical assault and a murder conspiracy hatched long ago.
The accused Akhila and Ashkar were arrested for allegedly subjecting the child, Arshid, to brutal physical abuse that led to his death on May 29. The arrest followed revelations in autopsy report, which suggested multiple injuries, both fresh and healed indicating prolonged assault over a period of time.
Initially a case of unnatural death was registered which soon turned into a murder investigation following horrific detailes revealed in autopsy report, leading the cops to widen probe and take both mother and her partner into custody.
The incident came to light after Ashkar brought the child to a hospital, stating that the toddler had suddenly fallen ill after vomiting following food and water intake.
On the evening of May 29, Arshid was rushed to a private hospital in Panavoor before being shifted to Sree Avittom Thirunal (SAT) Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. In his statement, the accused, Ashkar, told the hospital staff that his lover's son had choked on food and fallen unconscious.
The relatives, however, questioned the explanation given by the accused and alerted the police, prompting a detailed investigation. A post-mortem examination later revealed that the toddler had died due to internal bleeding caused by repeated physical assault. Doctors found extensive injuries across the child's body, including 51 wounds, a severe injury to the genitals, and cigarette burn marks on the legs.
Following the findings, the Nedumangad police arrested the child's 21-year-old mother, Akhila, and her live-in partner on the night of May 30. Both were produced before a court and remanded to judicial custody.
Meanwhile, fresh allegations have emerged against the accused from the family of his former wife. His ex-mother-in-law alleged that he had subjected his first wife, Amina, to prolonged domestic violence, including brutal assaults and attempts to hang her from a ceiling fan.
According to her, the abuse left Amina bedridden and unconscious for nearly a year. She is currently undergoing treatment at the Government Medical College Hospital, the family claimed.
- With inputs from agencies
