Thiruvananthapuram: Police have invoked the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act in the murder case of one-and-a-half-year-old Arshid from Nedumangad, adding fresh charges against first accused Ashkar. Authorities have also decided to hand over the investigation to a special team led by the Nedumangad DySP, with the Rural SP issuing orders in this regard.
The investigation is now being expanded to Tamil Nadu as police seek to verify the movements of the child’s mother, Akhila, on the day of the incident. A police team from Nedumangad has been sent to Nagercoil following Akhila’s statement that she had travelled there for a dance programme. Investigators are also examining her frequent trips to Tamil Nadu.
Police earlier confirmed that Arshid died after suffering a forceful kick to the chest, which fractured seven ribs and caused severe internal injuries. Investigators informed the court that the child also sustained head injuries that resulted in swelling at five locations.
The detailed postmortem report revealed 91 injuries on the child’s body, including burn marks and signs of physical assault. Officials said nearly half of the injuries were old wounds, pointing to repeated abuse over time.
Akhila has been charged with abetment in the murder case, while police are also planning to investigate Ashkar in connection with alleged financial fraud cases. Statements gathered during the probe suggest that he allegedly cheated women by promising marriage and taking money from them.
The incident occurred last Friday. Ashkar had reportedly taken the child to hospital claiming the boy vomited while eating rice, but the child later died. During detailed questioning, Ashkar allegedly confessed to assaulting the child after he continued crying while being fed. He reportedly told police that the child lost consciousness after being struck. Akhila had also admitted during preliminary questioning that Ashkar had physically assaulted the child.
