A disturbing case of child abuse has come to light in northern Kerala, where a woman has been arrested for allegedly torturing her five-year-old stepdaughter. The incident occurred in the Kanjikode area last week and involved severe physical harm inflicted as punishment for bedwetting.
The case surfaced after the child&rsquo;s Anganwadi teacher noticed that the girl was unable to sit properly during class and appeared to be in visible pain. Alarmed by the child&rsquo;s condition, the teacher informed the authorities, prompting an immediate police response.
Investigations revealed that the stepmother had allegedly burned the child&rsquo;s genital area using a heated steel spatula. The accused, a woman from Bihar, was taken into custody on Thursday and later remanded to judicial custody for 14 days by a local court.
Police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) along with provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act, which deals with crimes against children. Authorities stated that a detailed investigation is underway to ascertain the full extent of the abuse.
The child&rsquo;s father, a Nepalese national working at a nearby hotel, has been informed. The victim has been placed under the care and protection of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), which is overseeing her medical treatment, safety, and psychological support as legal proceedings continue.

Stepmother arrested for brutal assault on five-year-old in Palakkad area

Kerala Child Abuse Case Shocks State

Stepmother arrested for brutal assault on five-year-old in Palakkad area

January 9, 2026 | 19:49 IST