Cat bites toddler, dies; carcass exhumed for autopsy; Anganwadi staff under fire for cover-up

Kuttichal (Thiruvananthapuram): A two-and-a-half-year-old boy was bitten by a cat at an anganwadi here, triggering serious concern after the cat died later under suspicious circumstances.

The incident, which happened at Anganwadi No. 126 operating from a rented building, has led to allegations of a cover-up by the staff.

The cat, which reportedly came from a neighbouring house, bit the child, Haisin Zyan, on the hand and leg on July 18. The anganwadi staff allegedly kept the incident under wraps, informing the parents only two days later, on July 20.

The following day, the child received an anti-rabies vaccination at the nearby Health Centre.

However, the cat’s death raised further alarm, prompting the Health Department to intervene. Its carcass was sent to the Palode Veterinary Biological Institute and Research Center to test for rabies.

Following a complaint filed by the child’s father, Maheen, the ICDS CDPO (Child Development Project Officer) of Vellanad block, visited the anganwadi for an inquiry. Following this, action has been taken against anganwadi worker Nisha, who has been suspended pending investigation.

The ICDS supervisor has also been instructed to submit a detailed report.

The anganwadi currently operates from a house adjacent to a private residence. Officials noted that the center is functioning outside the designated ward and lacks adequate safety conditions.

The CDPO stated that a request had already been submitted to the panchayat to shift the anganwadi and that it would be relocated within two months.

Despite these assurances, the anganwadi has not yet been moved. Once home to several children, the centre now sees only three attendees. Years ago, a new building was constructed at a cost of ₹12 lakh for the anganwadi on a three-cent plot donated by a local resident. However, the facility remains unused and overgrown with weeds, reportedly due to an unresolved legal dispute.