Horror as baby tortured to death – 51 wounds, fractured ribs and bleeding skull

A baby has died after months of alleged torture at the hands of his stepfather. The child, who was just one-and-a-half-years-old, passed away on May 29 after three-months of reported abuse.

The baby, named Arshith, reportedly had his head slammed against walls, his chest stamped upon, and his feet and genitals burnt with a cigarette lighter. Police said he was often assaulted for crying while a post-mortem examination revealed he suffered 51 separate injuries, including internal bleeding inside the skull and seven fractured ribs. His stepfather, named as Ashkar, and mother, Akhila, have been arrested and remanded in custody.

As reported by South First, Arshith lived in the Indian state of Kerala and was allegedly tortured over the course of three months after his stepfather, Ashkar, believed he was an “obstacle in his life”. It’s reported that Ashkar’s previous wife, named as Amina, is currently undergoing treatment following alleged domestic abuse.

It’s reported she suffered prolonged physical abuse and once tried to take her own life. She was taken to hospital with severe head injuries.

Arshith was born after the death of his father, Akhil, before his mother began living with Ashkar. However, his stepfather reportedly began abusing him at their home.

On one occasion, the stepfather reportedly assaulted Arshith while his wife was away from home. The baby was taken to hospital after losing concsciousness before his stepfather falsely claimed that food had become stuck in his throat.

However, prosecutors claim Ashkar tried to destroy evidence by cleaning the house before seeking medical help. He was then arrested alongside Akhila.

A post-mortem examination revealed that Arshith died from internal bleeding. It came after multiple reports from other family members that the child was being subject to frequent attacks.

The inquest report also recorded multiple injuries across his body, including signs of recent beatings. Some of the objects used in the alleged assaults were reportedly thrown into a nearby stream.