Nabarangpur: A police complaint has been lodged against a couple for branding their six-month-old baby boy 25 times with a hot bangle to cure him of some ailment at Khutiguda village under Papadahandi block of Nabarangpur district. The parents were Nakul Bhatra and his wife Janaki Bhatra.
The baby was suffering from breathing problems for a week and had difficulty having food-intake. Even milk could not be fed. Coming under the influence of superstitious beliefs, the couple branded him with a hot bangle to cure him of the disease. Instead of referring his health complaint to a hospital, the baby was branded 25 times on his chest, belly and thighs.
The baby’s condition only worsened. Then he was admitted to the local community health centre (CHC). He was later referred to the district hospital for better treatment. Doctors treating the child said he was suffering from pneumonia and septicemia. His condition was stated to be serious.
Meanwhile, an anganwadi worker of the village has lodged a police complaint against the child’s parents.