Alappuzha: A disturbing case of child abuse has been reported from Cherthala, where a five-year-old boy was allegedly brutally assaulted by his mother and grandmother. Following intervention by the school’s Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), the child has been taken into the care of the Child Welfare Committee.

According to the boy’s statement, both the mother and grandmother beat him using an iron scale and a stick. He said he was struck all over body and head with the metal scale.

The matter came to light after the PTA president noticed injuries and informed the Child Welfare Committee. The boy’s mother, who earns a living selling lottery tickets, used to leave him at a nearby shop while she went out for work. It was during one such occasion that the PTA president visited the shop and saw the child.

The president, who is also a lawyer, observed bruises on the child’s body and promptly alerted the authorities. Child Welfare Committee members arrived and questioned the boy, during which he revealed details of the physical abuse. He stated that he was beaten by both his mother and grandmother and said he did not know the reason for the assault.

The child also mentioned that he had been beaten months earlier as well—on that occasion, by his mother’s male friend. He added that the man was later arrested by the police and died while in prison. Despite that incident, the child claimed the abuse had continued.

Based on a complaint from the Child Welfare Committee, Cherthala police have registered a case. At present, both the mother and grandmother are in police custody.