Thiruvananthapuram, June 2: A horrifying case of alleged child abuse has emerged from Kerala's Nedumangad region, where a one-and-a-half-year-old boy died after reportedly enduring prolonged physical torture. Authorities have arrested the child's mother and her live-in partner after a post-mortem examination revealed a staggering 51 injuries on the toddler's body, exposing what investigators believe was a pattern of sustained abuse.

The accused, identified as Akhila and Ashkar, were taken into custody after forensic findings linked the child's death to severe physical assault. The victim, Arshid, succumbed to his injuries on May 29.

Police initially registered a case of unnatural death after the child was brought to medical attention. However, the investigation took a dramatic turn when the autopsy report uncovered multiple fresh and healed wounds across the toddler's body, indicating repeated violence over an extended period.

According to investigators, the post-mortem examination documented approximately 51 separate injuries, including signs of old fractures, healed wounds, and burn marks believed to have been caused by cigarettes. Medical experts reportedly concluded that the injuries were inconsistent with accidental harm and pointed instead to continuous physical abuse.

Officials stated that the child's body bore evidence of repeated assaults, suggesting that the abuse had been ongoing for weeks or even months before his death. The disturbing findings prompted police to broaden their inquiry and interrogate family members and others connected to the household.

During questioning, investigators allegedly uncovered evidence linking both Akhila and Ashkar to the abuse. Authorities subsequently arrested the pair on charges related to the child's death and are expected to invoke additional provisions under child protection and criminal laws as the investigation progresses.

The tragic incident has sparked widespread outrage across Kerala, with child rights activists demanding stringent action against those responsible. Social welfare organizations have also called for stronger mechanisms to identify and protect vulnerable children living in abusive environments.

Police officials said further forensic examinations and witness statements are being collected to establish the full sequence of events leading to Arshid's death. Investigators are also examining whether warning signs of abuse had previously been noticed by relatives, neighbors, or local authorities.

The case has once again drawn national attention to the issue of child abuse and the urgent need for early intervention systems to prevent such tragedies. Authorities have assured that a comprehensive investigation is underway and that those responsible will face the full force of the law.

The investigation remains ongoing.