'51 injuries, internal bleeding': Postmortem reveals extent of abuse in Kerala toddler death; accused faces public fury

'51 injuries, internal bleeding': Postmortem reveals extent of abuse in Kerala toddler death; accused faces public fury

T’PURAM: The primary postmortem examination of the one-and-a-half-year-old boy allegedly murdered in Nedumangad revealed around 51 injuries and severe internal bleeding, exposing what police describe as prolonged and brutal physical abuse. The child’s mother, Akhila, and her partner, Ashkar, were arrested on Friday.

A senior police officer said the toddler had suffered repeated assaults over a period of time. “The post-mortem findings point to sustained physical abuse. The child had multiple external injuries and internal bleeding. Our investigation has also revealed that the mother was aware of the assaults but failed to inform relatives or authorities,” the officer said.

The case came to light after the child was admitted to SAT Hospital following a medical emergency. While initial reports suggested the toddler had vomited after he choked on food, doctors discovered extensive injuries across the body. Police also noticed assault marks during inquest proceedings.

Public anger over the killing spilled onto the streets on Sunday when police brought Ashkar to the rented house at Karikuzhi for evidence collection. A large crowd gathered near the house and attempted to attack the accused as soon as he arrived. Police personnel struggled to shield him amid shouting and protests.

A heavy police contingent was deployed anticipating unrest. Officers completed evidence collection inside and around the residence and quickly took Ashkar away. During the commotion, locals allegedly damaged a vehicle used by the accused.

Residents said Ashkar, Akhila and the child had been living in the area for nearly six months but kept largely to themselves. Neighbours said they used to frequently hear the child crying from inside the house.

The child’s maternal grandmother alleged that the boy had no injuries when he was taken from her home by her daughter and claimed that injuries were repeatedly noticed on his body thereafter.

She further alleged that the toddler had earlier suffered fractures to both arms, which were explained away as the result of a fall.

Doubting the claim, she had lodged a complaint with the police.

The child’s maternal and paternal grandfathers alleged that there were circular burn marks across the toddler’s body, suggesting he may have been subjected to torture.

Fresh allegations have surfaced against Ashkar from the family of his first wife, Amina.

Her mother told reporters on Sunday that he had subjected Amina to prolonged physical abuse.

He used to bang her head against walls, and, at one point, allegedly attempted to hang her from a ceiling fan, she said.

She said the assault left Amina bedridden and unconscious for nearly a year. She said Amina had only recently begun regaining her memory and was currently undergoing treatment at the Govt Medical College Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram.

The family also alleged that Ashkar remains legally married to Amina and that no formal divorce proceedings have been completed.

Meanwhile, women and child welfare minister Bindu Krishna said the govt was treating the case with utmost seriousness and would ensure strict legal action against those responsible. She also said the department would take steps to strengthen child protection mechanisms and prevent similar incidents in the future.

(With inputs from agencies)