One-and-a-half-year-old's murder: High Court makes crucial intervention

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The High Court has sought a report from the government regarding the death of one-and-a-half-year-old Arshid in Nedumangad after alleged brutal torture by his mother’s partner. The court has asked the investigation officers to submit a reply in a sealed cover within one week. The court intervened after taking a suo motu case. The court also questioned why a case was not registered earlier based on the complaint filed by the child’s grandmother.

Arshid, the son of Akhila, died on May 23 following severe assault by her partner Ashkar. The police investigation found that the accused had been repeatedly torturing the child. The postmortem report showed that the child had 91 injuries on his body. It also found that seven ribs were broken.

A recent inquiry also found serious lapses by the Child Protection Unit in the case. A crucial audio recording of the child’s grandmother Reena’s call to the Child Helpline had surfaced. In the call, she informed officials that the child was being continuously tortured and that both his hands were broken. Reena approached the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) on May 3 seeking help. However, no further action was taken by the authorities.

Despite the serious complaint, the Child Protection Unit staff reportedly handled the issue lightly. Instead of suggesting a solution, the staff member questioned Reena about why the child was given back to the accused.