Thiruvananthapuram: A five-year-old boy from Idukki district in Kerala, who was subjected to extensive and severe torture by his father and step mother, is recovering at a quick pace at a hospital in Tamil Nadu, according to latest reports. The boy had been under treatment at a private hospital in Kattapana in Idukki direct under supervision of government authorities, before being moved to Vellore, Tamil Nadu for specialized treatment.
The latest reason for doctors’ optimism is the boy finally beginning to speak, 45 days after his hospitalisation began. When asked on Thursday whether he wanted toys, he is said to have responded with a ‘yes’.
Full recovery, of course, is some way away for the battered boy, who will be provided neuro rehabilitation, speech therapy and physiotherapy among other treatment.
The boy was brought to the hospital in Kattapana in mid-July with dozens of injuries on his frail body, and serious damage to his brain, eyes and ribs, besides broken limbs. The boy’s horrific tale prompted the state cabinet to discuss his issue, which led to the government ensuring that the authorities provided whatever medical assistance that was possible, to him.
After the incident came to light, his parents were taken into custody. The boy has an elder brother who was put in an orphanage by the parents. Officials from the state social welfare department are with the boy at the hospital.
This week, at least four more cases of child abuse at home surfaced from different parts of the state, triggering more concern over child safety.
