Parents brand baby with hot iron to cure stomach ailment

Pallahada: In yet another display of superstition-based inhuman behaviour, a three-month-old infant was branded with hot iron by her parents to cure the stomach ailments at Muktapur village here in Angul district.

The baby girl has been admitted to the Pallahada Sub-divisional Hospital as her condition deteriorated. She suffers from burn injuries on her stomach.

The child was born to Buduni and Ajay Munda of Muktapur village under Pallahada block in Angul district. The baby suffered from indigestion and his stomach swelled. Instead of taking her to the hospital, Ajay and his wife Buduni branded her with a hot iron as per the advice of villagers.

"Neighbours advised us to brand her with hot iron which would cure her stomach swelling. Our baby got some relief but cough continued. So, we admitted her to hospital", said Ajay, father of victim.

The baby is undergoing treatment at the hospital. Her condition is stable, doctor said.

The practice of branding children with hot iron and bangles to cure ailments is rampant in remote areas of the State.