22-day-old baby branded 65 times with hot sickle to 'cure' laboured breathing in Maharashtra village

AMRAVATI: In a horrific case of superstition-driven brutality, a 22-day-old infant was branded 65 times with a hot sickle in the name of 'traditional healing' for laboured breathing on Tuesday. This inhuman act took place at Seemori village of Chikhaldara taluka, Amravati, leaving the baby in critical condition. The infant was admitted to the ICU at Amravati District Women's Hospital on Tuesday for advanced treatment.Medical experts believe the infant might be suffering from a congenital heart condition leading to breathing difficulties. While the branding itself may not have caused severe internal damage, the child's heart rate irregularities require a 2D echo test for proper diagnosis. Unfortunately, this facility is not yet available at the hospital but efforts are being made to arrange it soon. If the baby's condition remains critical, he could be shifted to Nagpur for specialized treatment.This disturbing incident highlights the deep-rooted superstitions and dangerous practices prevalent in the tribal-dominated Melghat region. Sources said that authorities and the health department must take strict action to prevent rerun of such incidents and spread awareness about scientific medical treatment available.KEY HIGHLIGHTS