Superstition continues in Keonjhar; 10-year-old girl branded with hot iron

Keonjhar: In a fresh incident of hot iron branding, a minor girl was subjected to torture by her family members to cure 'stomach ailments' in Keonjhar district.

According to reports, the 10-year-old girl of Reba village under Bansapala block in the district was branded with hot iron rod by her family members five days back. The minor was later admitted to hospital after her condition deteriorated. However, she is stated to be stable now, sources said.

Father of the baby, Durga Mahakud, said poverty forced them to accept such 'method of treatment'. “I can’t take her to hospital due to lack of money as we are poor. We have no health cards provided by the government”.

It may be mentioned here that as many as five children have been branded with hot iron in Keonjhar district alone in the last 10 days.

Also Read: Infants Branded With Hot Iron By Mothers In Keonjhar