Infant branded with hot iron dies in Keonjhar

Keonjhar: A 25-day-old infant, who was undergoing treatment at District Headquarters Hospital (DHH) Keonjhar after being branded with hot iron, succumbed to the injuries today.

Earlier on July 29, the newborn boy was branded with hot iron to cure stomach ailments at Kharba village under Harichandanpur block in the district.

The matter came to light only on next day morning when the condition of the infant deteriorated and the baby was admitted to the Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) of the DHH.

Similarly on August 1, an infant girl died due to branding with hot iron at Kuladhankuni village in the block.

It may be mentioned that 11 such cases have been reported in the last 51 days. Two among the 11 infants have lost their life to the age old superstitions.