Punjab Newsline | Barnala
A shocking case of alleged physical abuse of a five-year-old boy has surfaced in Sanghera village of Barnala district, where the child was allegedly beaten and tortured by his aunt. The boy, who sustained multiple injury and burn marks, is currently undergoing treatment at the Civil Hospital, Barnala.
According to the allegations, the child's aunt beat him with sticks and allegedly branded his body with a hot griddle and iron tongs. The child also reportedly said that he was made to stand for hours in the scorching sun while holding a heavy bottle filled with water.
The matter came to light after the injured child went to school, where someone recorded videos and took photographs of the injuries. The visuals later went viral on social media.
Following the circulation of the video, Satpal Singh Pal Kharor, head of Patiala-based social organisation Apna Farz Sewa Society, reached Sanghera village with his team. With the assistance of the village panchayat, residents, police and the Child Development Department, the child was taken to Civil Hospital Barnala for immediate treatment.
The child's father, Mool Chand, said his wife had died and that around two-and-a-half years ago, he had given his younger son to his elder brother, who had four daughters but no son. He said he left home every morning for daily-wage work and returned late in the evening, due to which he was unaware of the alleged abuse.
The child reportedly told authorities that his aunt used to beat him severely with sticks and allegedly burn him with a hot griddle and iron tongs.
Dr Ankush Jindal, a paediatrician at Civil Hospital Barnala, said the child underwent a medical examination and several injury and burn marks were found on his body. He is currently being treated in the ward.
The Child Protection Department team has also reached the hospital and started an inquiry into the incident. The child's father has demanded strict legal action against the woman accused of torturing his son.
