Kanjikode, Kerala | January 9, 2026

A deeply disturbing case of child abuse has come to light in northern Kerala, sending shockwaves through the state and reigniting concerns over child safety within domestic spaces. Police have arrested a woman for allegedly inflicting severe burns on the private parts of her five-year-old stepdaughter using a heated steel spatula, reportedly as punishment for bedwetting.

The incident occurred last week in the Kanjikode area of Palakkad district but remained hidden until the child’s suffering became visibly apparent in a public setting. The case surfaced when an Anganwadi teacher noticed that the young girl was struggling to sit comfortably during class and appeared to be in significant pain. Alarmed by the child’s condition and behaviour, the teacher immediately raised the issue with authorities, triggering a police investigation that led to the woman’s arrest.

According to police officials, the accused is a woman originally from Bihar, married to the child’s father, who works at a nearby hotel. The father, a native of Nepal, was reportedly away at work when the incident took place. Investigators believe the act of violence was carried out inside the home and went unnoticed by others until the child’s injuries affected her ability to sit or move normally.

After receiving the alert from the Anganwadi worker, authorities swiftly intervened. The child was taken for medical examination, where doctors confirmed burn injuries consistent with the use of a heated metal object. Based on preliminary findings and the child’s account, police arrested the stepmother on Thursday. She was subsequently produced before a local court, which remanded her to judicial custody for 14 days to facilitate further investigation.

Police have registered a case under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), India’s primary criminal law framework, dealing with grievous hurt and cruelty. In addition, provisions of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act have been invoked, recognising the gravity of the offence and the vulnerability of the victim. Officials said these sections carry stringent penalties, reflecting the state’s zero-tolerance approach to crimes against children.

The young girl has since been placed under the care of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), the statutory body responsible for ensuring the protection and rehabilitation of children in distress. Officials said the committee is overseeing her medical treatment, psychological counselling, and overall well-being. She remains in a safe environment away from the accused, and authorities are working to ensure that her recovery—both physical and emotional—is handled with sensitivity and care.

Police sources said investigators are examining whether there were earlier instances of abuse that went unreported. Statements from neighbours, family members, and others connected to the household are being recorded to determine if warning signs were missed. The role of the father is also being scrutinised, though officials have clarified that there is currently no evidence to suggest his direct involvement in the alleged assault.

The case has once again drawn attention to the issue of violence against children within families, particularly in situations involving step-parents or caregivers. Child rights activists say bedwetting is a common developmental issue among young children and should never be met with punishment, let alone violence. Medical experts note that such behaviour can be linked to stress, anxiety, or physiological factors and requires patience and professional guidance rather than coercion.

Anganwadi workers and school teachers have been widely praised for their vigilance in this case. Officials highlighted that the teacher’s timely intervention likely prevented further harm to the child. “This incident underscores the crucial role played by frontline childcare and education workers in identifying abuse and acting as the first line of protection for vulnerable children,” a senior official said.

Kerala, often lauded for its strong social indicators, has nonetheless witnessed a rise in reported cases of child abuse in recent years. Experts attribute this partly to increased awareness and reporting mechanisms, but caution that many cases may still go unreported due to fear, stigma, or lack of access to support systems. Child welfare organisations stress the need for sustained public education campaigns to help caregivers understand child development and non-violent forms of discipline.

Legal experts point out that the stringent provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act are designed not only to punish offenders but also to deter similar acts and ensure rehabilitation of victims. “The law recognises that crimes against children leave lasting scars. Swift legal action and comprehensive care are essential to restore a sense of safety and trust in the child,” said a child rights lawyer familiar with such cases.

As the investigation continues, authorities have assured that the child’s identity will be protected in accordance with legal norms. Officials also urged the public to report any suspected cases of child abuse to local authorities, child helplines, or welfare committees. “Silence enables abuse. Community awareness and timely reporting can save lives,” a police officer involved in the case said.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage on social media and among civil society groups, many of whom are calling for stricter monitoring of child welfare in vulnerable households and migrant families. Some have also demanded mandatory parenting awareness programmes to address harmful disciplinary practices rooted in ignorance or misplaced notions of control.

For now, the focus remains on the recovery of the five-year-old victim and ensuring that justice is delivered swiftly. As Kerala grapples with the disturbing details of the case, it serves as a grim reminder that child protection requires constant vigilance—not only from institutions, but from society as a whole.