Girl, 6, alerts neighbours after 3-yr-old brother beaten; mom, stepdad arrested

RAIPUR: A three-year-old boy allegedly beaten repeatedly by his stepfather and burned with cigarettes is recovering under child-protection care after police arrested his mother and stepfather following a complaint by residents of Tarun Nagar, Lodhipara. The case came to light after the boy’s six-year-old sister alerted neighbours to the alleged abuse.The alleged assault took place around 8.30am on Oct 13, when the boy and his sibling were allegedly subjected to violence by their stepfather. The matter came to light when the girl reportedly told residents that her younger brother had been beaten. Concerned about the boy’s condition, residents approached Civil Lines police and submitted a collective complaint on Oct 15, following which an FIR was registered late that night.The complaint alleged that the stepfather had repeatedly assaulted the boy and that his mother failed to intervene. Residents reported that the child had swelling around his left eye, injuries on his face and body, and a plaster cast on one hand. Police said the boy had sustained serious injuries to his face, around his eye and other parts of his body, besides cigarette burns.Residents further alleged that the couple’s other two children were also subjected to mistreatment and were sometimes denied food. They expressed concern that the children could remain vulnerable if they continued living in the same circumstances, particularly if the family left its rented accommodation following police action.The residents sought immediate intervention by the police and child-protection authorities, including a medical examination of the injured boy and an assessment of the children’s safety. They also urged that the children be presented before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), Raipur, for appropriate care and protection.The station house officer told TOI that intoxication was a factor in the alleged assault. The three-year-old is now under child-protection care, and his condition is improving, police said.Police alleged that the mother supported the stepfather instead of intervening to stop the violence and attempted to conceal the incident. After questioning the complainant and witnesses, police arrested the stepfather, 35, and the mother, 40. Both allegedly admitted to their involvement during questioning, police said.Civil Lines police registered a case (Crime No. 543/2026) under Sections 115(2) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Section 75 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. The investigation will focus on the circumstances of the alleged assault and the protective measures required to ensure the safety of the children.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Raipur | Silver Rate in Raipur | Bank Holidays in Raipur | Public Holidays in Raipur | Raipur AQI | Weather in Raipur | Petrol Price in Raipur | Diesel Price in Raipur | CNG Price in Raipur | LPG Price in RaipurStay updated with the latest Raipur news. Download the TOI App.