91 wounds, 7 broken ribs: Post-mortem reveals Kerala toddler torture brutality by stepfather
Thiruvananthapuram: Authorities in Thiruvananthapuram have confirmed that the post-mortem report of the one-and-a-half-year-old child who died after alleged brutal assault has recorded 91 injuries on his body.
According to the report, the child had suffered seven fractured ribs, along with swelling and bleeding in the head, which have been identified as the primary cause of death. Earlier, the police inquest had documented 51 injuries, but the final medical examination significantly increased the count, intensifying the gravity of the case.
Key developments in the case
The child’s mother, Akhila, and stepfather, Ashkar, who have been arrested, initially claimed that the child’s arm injury occurred after a fall from stairs. However, investigators have noted inconsistencies in their statements and have not accepted this explanation.
Police sources also confirmed that Ashkar has admitted during interrogation that he repeatedly assaulted the child. He reportedly stated that he believed the child was an obstacle to his relationship with the mother and claimed that the child’s crying provoked him.
Authorities are now examining whether additional charges under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act can be applied, alongside existing charges of murder and child cruelty. For this, police are verifying caste certificates of the mother Akhila and the child’s biological father, Akhil.
Role of the accused
Akhila has been arrested on charges of abetment to murder. Investigators believe she was aware of the ongoing abuse inflicted on the child but failed to intervene. The stepfather, Ashkar, is accused of direct involvement in the assault and death of the child.
The child, identified as Arshith, was born to Akhila and her first husband Akhil, who died two years ago. Following his death, Akhila began living with Ashkar.
Police have stated that the investigation is ongoing and further forensic analysis will be conducted to clarify discrepancies, including the cause of the child’s broken arm, which remains under scrutiny.
Officials also indicated that witness statements, medical findings, and digital evidence will be cross-checked to establish a clear timeline of abuse. The case has triggered widespread outrage locally, with demands for strict legal action against the accused.
The incident has been described by investigators as one of severe and prolonged physical abuse, with the post-mortem findings reinforcing the extent of violence suffered by the child before death.