Nabarangpur, Mar 3: In a distressing incident reported from Chandahandi block of Odisha’s Nabarangpur district, a one-month-old baby was branded with hot metal as a part of a superstitious practice to cure fever.
The baby boy Bhavyansu Nayak, son of Saroj Kumar Nayak of Phundelpara village under Chandahandi block, fell seriously ill after the branding and was admitted to Umerkote Hospital for medical treatment.
As per reports, the infant developed a fever ten days ago and experienced severe shivering while crying continuously. Instead of seeking medical attention, his parents took him to a local quack practitioner and later resorted to branding him with hot metal, believing it would cure the fever. The baby sustained over 30 burns on his belly.
Owing to the branding, the infant fell seriously ill and his health condition deteriorated. Following this, his family members took him to the hospital for treatment. When questioned about the branding burns, they did not reveal who performed it.
Upon getting the information, Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) Dr. Santosh Kumar Panda visited the hospital to oversee the baby's treatment.
Doctors confirmed that his condition had stabilized, with their primary focus now on ensuring his full recovery.
Further investigation into the matter was underway.
