Madhya Pradesh: Infant dies after branded with hot iron in Shahdol

BHOPAL: A 45-days-old infant died due to infection after he was branded with hot iron rod to treat pneumonia in Shahdol drict, an official said on Saturday. Police said they are investigating the matter. (Representative Image) This is the third death of children due to branding in stomach, locally known as ‘Dagna’, in Shahdol drict since November 21. Earlier, two infants died after branding with hot iron rod to treat pneumonia. Wrap up the year gone & gear up for 2024 with HT! Click here A resident of Bandhwa village Harsh Lal Baiga’s son Rajan Baiga had been admitted to Shahdol drict hospital on December 21. Requesting anonymity, a doctor said, “The child was admitted to the PICU of the drict hospital. He was unable to breathe properly and his ribs were found broken. He died of complications caused due to infection.” The mother Rambai said, “I had gone to my mother’s village. My son fell ill. On the direction of a midwife, I branded the child’s stomach with hot bangles. After this, when the child’s health did not improve, he was admitted to the drict hospital Shahdol.” Shahdol, superintendent of police Kumar Prateek said, “We are investigating the matter. We will take necessary action against the accused.” Drict collector Vandana Vaidya refused to respond on the incident. ABOUT THE AUTHOR She is a senior reporter based at Bhopal. She covers higher education, social issues, youth affairs, woman and child development related issues, sports and business & industries. …view detail