Keonjhar: Presenting a disturbing trend, infants continue to be branded with hot iron by superstitious parents in the State as a cure of ailments.
On Saturday, another infant 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 Sunday morning when the condition of the infant deteriorated and the baby was admitted to hospital in critical condition.
“People here continue to perform superstitious practices. The child is still in critical condition as his stomach and chest have got infected,” said Paediatric specialist Ajay Kumar Mohanty.
Even though medical science has transcended barriers, age old superstitions are still ruling the roost here with a total of eight such cases being reported in a short span of 45 days.
Also Read: Another Infant Branded With Hot Iron In Keonjhar
Earlier on Friday, a 7-year-old was branded with hot iron in the district after the health of the child, suffering from Malaria, did not improve.