Berhampur: In a shocking incident, a four-year old girl was branded on her face with red hot iron, injuring also the hands and thighs to get her tamed. The incident occurred at Sriram Nagar under Bad bazaar police limits here.
Police rescued the victim girl and detained the accused, Runa Gauda.
Sources said parents Dasrath Majhi and Ranu Majhi were fed up with her naughtiness. To get rid of her, her maternal uncle decided to hand over the girl to one of his friends Runa so as to discipline her.
Runa took the girl with him two months back and tried several ways to discipline her. Three days back, as a last resort, he decided to brand her with hot iron rods.
The neighbours grew apprehensive as the girl was no longer seen around. They made enquiries and came to know about the torture. On being informed, police reached the spot, rescued the girl and detained the accused.