2-month-old becomes victim of hot iron branding, again

Keonjhar: A two-month-old baby was allegedly branded with hot iron rod by his parents to cure him of stomach ailments here in Keonjhar district on Wednesday. This is the 12th such case reported in a span of just four months that goes on to reiterate the superstitious beliefs that rule the roost in rural areas of the state.

According to sources, the incident occurred in Adala village under Banspal block of the district when the infant, Santosh Naik complained of severe stomach ache and was seen with an infected navel.

However, instead of taking him to the hospital, the family members allegedly branded him with a hot iron rod following which the baby suffered burn injuries in and around the stomach.

As the baby's condition deteriorated, his family was forced to admit him to Keonjhar District Headquarters Hospital (DHH) for treatment.

Meanwhile, the doctors alleged that the child's condition has become critical as he was branded with hot iron and is under continuous observation at the SNCU ward. However, the mother of the child refuted the allegation of the doctors.