A one-month-old baby boy was branded with hot metal in Phundelpara village, under Chandahandi block, Nabarangpur district.
The baby, identified as Bhavyansu Nayak, fell gravely ill after undergoing the branding procedure, which was intended to cure him of fever and persistent shivering. Instead of seeking medical attention, the family resorted to this dangerous and archaic practice, leaving the infant with severe burns on his belly. Bhavyansu was branded more than 30 times.
Saroj Kumar Nayak, the baby’s father, revealed that the infant had developed a fever ten days prior and was crying persistently while shivering. In an attempt to cure him, the family subjected the child to the hot metal branding, believing it would rid him of his ailment.
As Bhavyansu’s condition worsened, the family rushed him to Umerkote Hospital for treatment. Upon inquiry, the family did not disclose the identity of the person who performed the branding.
Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) Dr. Santosh Kumar Panda arrived at the hospital to supervise the baby’s treatment. Dr. Panda confirmed that the child’s condition had stabilized and emphasized the necessity for intensified awareness campaigns in the district to eradicate such harmful practices. “It’s imperative to educate the community about the dangers of these superstitions,” Dr. Panda stated.
The incident has sparked outrage and calls for immediate action to prevent such cases in the future. Authorities are urged to take strict measures to raise awareness and protect vulnerable children from being subjected to harmful practices.
