Nabarangpur: A shocking case of superstition-driven branding has emerged where a one-month-old infant has been subjected to over 30 branding marks on its body. The child is currently in critical condition and has been admitted to the hospital for treatment.
This incident occurred in the Umerkote Sub-Divisional Hospital. According to reports, the infant belongs to Saroj Kumar Nayak from Fundelpada village under Gambhariguda Panchayat in Chandahandi block. The baby was branded over 40 times on the stomach and head. The branding marks are spread all over the child’s abdomen, leaving no empty space.
According to sources, ten days after birth, the infant became unwell and kept crying continuously. Due to superstitious beliefs, the family members, influenced by others, resorted to branding the child to supposedly cure the illness. The family claimed that after the branding, the baby stopped crying for a few days. However, after two days, the child started crying again due to severe pain from the branding wounds.
Seeing the child’s suffering, the family rushed it to the Umerkote Sub-Divisional Hospital. Upon being informed, Dr. Santosh Kumar Panda, Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) and a senior pediatric specialist, immediately sent a medical team to provide urgent care. When the baby arrived at the hospital, it was in a critical condition, but after receiving proper treatment, its health has significantly improved.
Dr. Panda assured that all necessary medical assistance would be provided to ensure the infant recovers quickly and returns home safely. Meanwhile, the family members have remained silent and refused to reveal who performed the branding when questioned on camera.