Minor girl tortured by foster father dies

Salem: A 7-year-old girl died after being allegedly tortured by her foster father at a village near here, police said today. Sivaranjani of Tharamangalam died suddenly yesterday and on information from neighbours police rushed and sent the body to the government hospital here.

Doctors in the hospital found scars caused by burns and marks of injuries due to beating on her body, police said. Investigations showed Palani and his wife Pachiammal of the same village had adopted the girl since their three daughters had died.

Though Palani was said to be affectionate toward Sivaranjani, he used to beat her up frequently, police said. Police said they were on the look out for Palani, who is absconding.