Man held for branding 4-year-old adopted daughter with hot spatula

Berhampur: Police today detained a man for allegedly branding his adopted four-year-old daughter with a hot spatula in his house at Sriram Nagar under Bada Bazar police limits in Berhampur of Ganjam district. The accused was identified as Runa Gouda.

The minor girl, Sanjana Majhi, is reportedly the real daughter of Dasrathi Majhi and Ranu Majhi here.

According to reports, unhappy with the frequent quarrels with Ranu over issues related to Sanjana, Dasrathi handed over their child to his brother's friend Runa.

Sources said Sanjana was involved in mischievous activities since last couple of days and not listening to anyone. In a fit of rage, Runa branded the girl child with a hot spatula.

Sustaining burn injuries on her face and hands, Sanjana was rushed to the MKCG Medical College and Hospital for treatment.

"Sanjana is stable now. We have detained Runa Gouda and the girl is also with us at the station," said an official of the Bada Bazar police station.

Meanwhile, her actual mother Ranu stated, “I do not have any idea why she was branded with the hot spatula. My child must not have done anything wrong."

"However, she is a bit stubborn and doesn’t listen to what she is told. She cannot sit idle and keeps loitering around here and there,” added Ranu.