Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: Chilling details of alleged brutality are emerging in the death of a one-and-a-half-year-old boy in Panavoor, Nedumangad, with police arresting his 21-year-old mother Akhila and her 31-year-old partner Ashkar. The case is unfolding on the basis of allegations and reported accounts, alongside medical findings from the post-mortem examination.

The child, Arshid, was brought to a hospital by Ashkar on May 29 (Friday) at around 4.30 pm, reportedly with claims that he had suddenly begun coughing and vomiting food and water after eating. He is said to have further stated that the child became weak and unconscious shortly afterwards.

Arshid was later shifted to SAT Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram, where doctors declared him dead at 6.08 pm. While initial claims suggested choking on rice, subsequent medical examination and post-mortem findings revealed severe injuries on the child’s body.

Doctors reportedly found deep chest trauma, multiple healed scars, circular burn marks resembling cigarette burns, and injuries spread across almost the entire body. Both arms were in plaster when the child was brought in.

Alleged background of neglect and repeated disputes

According to available accounts, the child’s biological father, Akhil, died by suicide two years ago while Akhila was pregnant. Akhil’s family claimed that after his death Akhila did not maintain contact with them or allow them access to the child.

Akhila, who works as a dancer, was reportedly often away for performances and would leave Arshid in the care of her mother, Reena, for days at a time.

Reena, a temporary employee at a community health centre, reportedly struggled to care for the child, leading to frequent disputes between her and Akhila. Following police intervention, Akhila was directed to take custody of the child.

Reena later told authorities that the child had no injuries when he was handed back to Akhila. Suspicion reportedly arose later when both of the toddler’s arms were found fractured. Akhila allegedly attributed it to a fall, though Reena, unconvinced, filed a police complaint.

A counter-complaint was later filed by Akhila before a DySP, reportedly at the insistence of Ashkar, alleging that her mother was interfering in their lives.

Custody plans that never materialised

The paternal grandparents had reportedly been seeking custody of Arshid for months and had also consulted a lawyer. Through mediation involving a dance teacher and a relative, an agreement was reached for the child to be handed over on Thursday.

They were reportedly preparing to receive the child, believing he was safe.

Instead, they were informed of his death.

We trusted her, the paternal grandmother said, describing how she later saw images of the child’s plastered arms on a phone after the incident.

The maternal grandfather said there was no part of the child’s body that was not injured.

The paternal grandmother also said, “Only the child's nails have no injuries”.