One-and-half-year-old boy's death in Nedumangad: Bruises on child's body, relatives allege mystery

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The death of a one-and-a-half-year-old boy in Nedumangad has raised suspicions after the inquest report found marks of physical assault on the child's body. Officials said the injuries appeared to be several days old. The child, Arshid, son of Akhila from Karikkuzhi in Nedumangad, died on Friday. According to reports, he vomited while being fed food and later passed away.

The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon when the child's stepfather, Ashkar, was feeding him rice. After the child vomited, he was rushed to SAT Hospital, but doctors could not save him. The child's mother, Akhila, was in Tamil Nadu for a dance program at the time. The child had been suffering from a fever for the past two days and had received medical treatment. Photos had also emerged showing both of the child's hands in plaster casts. Ashkar and Akhila reportedly told authorities that the injuries happened after the child fell while playing.

However, relatives have told police that Ashkar used to physically abuse the child. Ashkar reportedly informed both police and hospital officials that the child died after food became stuck in his throat. Following a complaint from family members, police have launched an investigation. Reports indicate that Ashkar and Akhila may soon be taken into custody for questioning. The child's body has been shifted to Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital for a post-mortem examination.