A shocking case of child abuse has come to light in Kerala, where a one-and-a-half-year-old boy, Arshid, was beaten to death by Ashkar, the live-in partner of his mother. The incident took place in Panavoor near Nedumangad, around 20 kilometres from Thiruvananthapuram. Investigators say the accused had been physically abusing the child for weeks before finally killing him.
Child was tortured for weeks
During questioning, Ashkar told police that he had viewed Arshid as an obstacle in his relationship with the child’s mother, Akhila. He admitted that he had decided to kill the toddler nearly three months ago and had been assaulting him for about a month. According to investigators, he would regularly beat the child and even stuff a cloth into his mouth to stop his cries from being heard.
On 29th May, when Arshid cried loudly, Ashkar hit him on the head. After realising the child had died, he cleaned the house, removed evidence and took the toddler to a hospital. There, he claimed that the boy had choked on food and become unconscious.
Post-mortem exposes brutal assault
The post-mortem report revealed the horrifying extent of the abuse. Doctors found 91 injuries across the child’s body. The toddler died due to severe injuries to the chest and head. The report recorded seven broken ribs, serious internal injuries, and swelling and bleeding inside the skull.
Investigators believe the rib fractures were caused when Ashkar stamped on the child’s chest, damaging internal organs. Doctors also found burn marks on the child’s genitals and the sole of his right foot, which police say were caused using a cigarette lighter. These injuries suggest repeated torture over a prolonged period.
Suspicion over earlier injuries
Nearly a month before his death, Arshid was seen with casts on both arms. Neighbours had questioned the injuries, and Ashkar claimed the child had fallen from a bicycle. On 16th May, the toddler and his mother met a social media content creator at a bus stand and received gifts for following his Instagram account.
Photos from that meeting showed the child with both arms in plaster. Akhila repeated the same explanation that he had fallen from a bicycle. Police now suspect the injuries were not accidental.
Mother under investigation
Investigators say Akhila admitted that she knew about the repeated assaults and had witnessed Ashkar beating her son on several occasions. However, she did not intervene or seek help. Police are examining whether charges of abetment should be added against the 21-year-old mother.
The police have also invoked provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act against Ashkar. Meanwhile, investigators are looking into claims that he had severely assaulted his first wife, Amina, in the past, leaving her physically disabled.
