Kochi, Kerala: Police in Ernakulam have arrested a mother and her male friend following the alleged brutal assault of a 12-year-old boy at their home in Elamakkara.

The alleged assault took place on Thursday. The child, whose parents are separated, was living with his mother and her male friend. The male friend reportedly became agitated after finding the boy sleeping beside the mother.

He allegedly grabbed the boy’s left arm, slammed his head against a wall, and struck it on the bathroom door, inflicting serious head injuries.

After the initial attack, the mother moved the boy to another room. The male friend allegedly followed and continued the assault, while the mother did not intervene.

Hospital examination exposes severe injuries

The boy was later taken to a hospital. Doctors found serious head and body injuries, including marks on his chest that appeared to be nail marks. Suspecting abuse, the doctors alerted the police.

Police register FIR and investigation ongoing

Police FIR states the chest injuries were allegedly caused by the mother. She has been named the first accused, with her male friend as the second. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.