Boy branded on cheeks for returning late from market in WB

An eight-year-old boy working as a domestic help was allegedly branded with a heated spatula by a housewife for being late in returning from market in this town in Murshidabad district.

Baharampore: An eight-year-old boy working as a domestic help was allegedly branded with a heated spatula by a housewife for being late in returning from market in this town in Murshidabad district.

The boy, Shibu, employed at the residence of a person identified as Kishore Bhagat, was sent to market yesterday by his wife Jayanti, police said today.

When the boy returned late, an angry Jayanti, who was cooking in the kitchen, allegedly branded him on the cheeks with a hot spatula, they said. The boy had been asked to bring salt and oil.

Hearing the child`s screams, locals intervened and informed about the incident to local NGO `Childline`.

The NGO took the boy to state-run home Ananda Ashram, which admitted him to a hospital, District Child Welfare Committee president Sirajul Islam said.

A case will be filed against the couple after the medical report of the boy`s injuries is received, Islam said.

Superintendent of Police Humayun Kabir said police had received a complaint and would investigate.

He said the couple was absconding.

Police said the boy, who was brought to work as a domestic help from East Midnapore district by a tout a year- and-half ago, had suffered regular beatings and was half fed by the couple.

PTI

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