Keonjhar: The inhuman practice of children being branded with hot iron by traditional healers continues unabated in Keonjhar district. The recent incident involves a 15-day-old newborn.
The baby was reportedly branded with hot iron rod to cure stomach pain at Kanjhipani village under Bansapala block in the district.
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The matter came to light after the baby, who sustained critical burn injuries, was admitted to the district headquarters hospital.
According to the mother, Sangita Juang, the child’s grandmother had branded her with hot iron rod to cure stomach ache and cold. At least four to five burn marks were found on the baby’s body.
Following treatment, her health condition is stated to be stable.
There have been recurring reports of such incidents from tribal-dominated hamlets in Bansapala, Telkoi and Harichandanpur blocks of the district despite regular awareness drives by the Health Department. The victims in 50 per cent of such cases are newborns.
