7-year-old branded with hot iron again in Keonjhar

Keonjhar: At a time when medical science has transcended barriers, age old superstitions seem to have held ground in the rural areas of the state as far as healthcare is concerned. A 7-year-old being branded with hot iron in Keonjhar today corroborates the fact.

The infant from Phuljhara village under Banspal block here was branded by his family members to cure him of malaria on Friday.

Critically injured, the child was immediately shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital (DHH).

"Reports claim that the child was suffering from Malaria. Since his health did not improve, his family members branded him with hot iron. After a preliminary treatment, the child is in good condition," said the Hospital's paediatrician.

In a similar incident in Keonjhar last month, a minor girl was subjected to torture and was branded with hot iron rod by her family members to cure stomach ailments. Though such cases trickle down from all parts of the state at regular intervals, the government has not been able to control it.