THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: An incident in which a 11-year-old boy hailing from Pozhiyoor suffered serious burn injuries following his relative’s ‘punishment’ for a suspected theft, has come to light after three months. Pozhiyoor police said the victim was Jerry, son of Cleetus, George House, Thekke Kollangode.
The incident occurred on May 22 after a neighbouring woman complained to Jerry’s mother that the kid had stolen her purse at a local bathing ghat, the police said.
“The mother told the issue to her uncle, identified as Titus, who questioned the boy. When the kid denied the allegation, Titus tied his boy’s hands with a towel, poured kerosene over the towel and set it ablaze in a bid to frighten the boy,” said N Valsalan, Pozhiyoor Sub-Inspector.
“However, Titus’ plan went awry after the boy panicked and ran following which he suffered severe burns on his hands and chest before he was rescued,” Valsalan said.
Upon Titus’ request, the family kept the issue a secret and sought treatment at the Medical College Hospital here. The issue was brought to the notice of the police by Childline activists on Wednesday night.
The hospital authorities said the condition of the boy, now undergoing treatment at the eighth ward, was serious, but was out of danger. “A surgery is planned to rectify his limbs,” they said.
Police have launched a search for Titus.