7-year-old victim of abuse by stepfather dies in Kerala

Thodupuzha:  A seven-year-old boy, who had been battling for his life at a hospital after suffering physical assault at the hands of his stepfather more than a week ago, succumbed to injuries on Saturday.

The incident occurred 10 days ago while the boy was trying to protect his younger brother from being beaten up by Anand, his stepfather. The seven-year-old boy's lungs were damaged, and he was put on life support at Kolenchery medical college hospital. His younger brother sustained injuries on his chin and teeth.

 Kerala Police arrested Anand for allegedly assaulting two boys on March 29. According to sources, Anand has been charged with various sections of IPC, including 307 (attempt to murder), 323 (punishment for voluntarily causing hurt), 325 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt) and Section 75 of the Juvenile Justice Act.