The death of a one-and-a-half-year-old child in Kerala's Nedumangad has sparked widespread shock after a post-mortem examination reportedly found 51 injuries on his body, pointing to a pattern of sustained abuse over several months. Police have arrested the boy's mother, Akhila, and her live-in partner, Ashkar, in connection with the case.
The toddler, identified as Arshid, died on May 29 after being taken to a hospital in Thiruvananthapuram. What initially appeared to be a case of sudden illness soon turned into a murder investigation after doctors discovered multiple injuries and signs of previously healed wounds across the child's body.
Autopsy reveals evidence of repeated assault
According to News 18, the post-mortem examination found dozens of injuries, both recent and old, indicating that the child may have been subjected to repeated physical abuse over an extended period. The findings prompted police to convert an unnatural death case into a criminal investigation.
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Ashkar reportedly told doctors that the child became unconscious after vomiting following food and water intake. However, medical staff grew suspicious after noticing extensive injuries that could not be explained by a sudden illness.
Police said the autopsy findings played a crucial role in identifying the alleged abuse and led to the immediate arrest of the accused.
Family members raise disturbing allegations
According to News 18, the child's grandparents have alleged that warning signs existed long before the toddler's death. The maternal grandmother claimed the child had no visible injuries when he was taken away by his mother and later returned with multiple wounds.
Family members alleged that both of the toddler's arms had previously been fractured, with the injuries allegedly explained away as accidental falls. They also claimed to have noticed circular marks resembling cigarette burns on various parts of the child's body.
"There is no part of the child's body that was not injured," the maternal grandfather reportedly told investigators, describing the extent of the alleged abuse.
The grandparents further claimed they had repeatedly expressed concerns about the child's safety before his death.
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Fresh accusations emerge against accused
According to News 18, as the investigation widened, allegations also surfaced from the family of Ashkar's former wife. Her relatives accused him of subjecting her to severe domestic violence, including physical assault and attempted strangulation.
Police faced tense moments while taking the accused to their rented residence for evidence collection, with angry locals reportedly attempting to confront Ashkar. Officers intervened to prevent any violence and complete the investigation process.
