Kerala: Battered child shows signs of improvement

Idukki, July 20: In the hilly district of Idukki, all roads now lead to the hospital at Kattappana, where a five-year-old boy continues to battle for his life, as hundreds of tiny tots arrive every day to pray for him and wish him a speedy recovery.

"There has been a slight improvement. He has started to move his hands, legs and eyes. Even though he is still on ventilator, but it will be a good sign if we can reduce the ventilator support," a doctor said.

The boy's father brought him to a hospital here Monday with head injuries incurred from a fall from a ladder.

However, doctors found burn marks on his body, a deep wound in his head and a broken leg. The doctors then alerted police.

On questioning, it was found that the child had been subjected to brutality by the parents. Both were arrested and jailed.

The Kerala government Wednesday had decided to bear the cost of the boy's medical bills.

Various churches in Idukki, about 270 km from state capital Thiruvananthapuram, are planning to hold a special prayer session Sunday for the child.

IANS