In a case of child abuse, a 10-year-old tribal girl was branded using a red-hot metal ladle for allegedly stealing a mobile phone at Kuditipalem Kakarladibba in Indukuru Peta mandal of SPSR Nellore district.

The incident happened on the night of June 21 (Saturday) and came to light on Sunday afternoon after the police arrived at the village on receiving information from local residents. They admitted the girl with severe burns to Indukurupeta Government Hospital. Later, on the advice of Kovur MLA Vemireddy Prashanthi Reddy, she was shifted to Apollo Hospital in Nellore for better treatment. Her condition is said to be stable.

According to the police, the girl’s parents left her in the care of her aunt Manikala Mannari and went to Tirupati district to work as daily labourers sometime ago. However, about two months back Ms. Manikala scolded the minor over some issue and sent her out of home. Neighbours Bandi Srinivasulu and Charumudamma, who live in the opposite house, gave her shelter.

On Saturday night, her aunt accused the girl of stealing a mobile phone belonging to their neighbour Chelamcherla Nagaraju and Subbamma based on the words of a local ‘soothsayer’. Later, Manikala, Nagaraju and Subbamma beat up the girl severely. She was forced to admit the theft and was then repeatedly branded with a hot ladle. The extent of her injuries has left the local community in shock.

The police registered a case against Manikala, Nagaraju, Subbamma, Srinivasulu and Charumudamma under Section 120 Clause 1 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt to extort a confession), 109 (attempt to murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Section 75 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act and other charges.

They arrested all the accused, except Manikala, as she was asked to look after the child till her parents arrive. Action will be taken against her, thereafter. Srinivasulu and Charumudamma were named as accused as they were found to be complicit in the torture of the girl.

The incident has triggered outrage across the region, with calls for strict action against the accused. MLA Vemireddy Prashanthi Reddy has taken serious note of the incident and urged the authorities to take stringent action against those responsible for it.

The MLA advised continuous monitoring of the victim’s health and assured that all necessary measures will be taken to support her recovery.