More Horrifying details Emerge in Nedumangad Toddler Murder Case; Accused to Be Produced in Court

Thiruvananthapuram: Further shocking details have emerged from police questioning in the case of the 18-month-old boy brutally killed in Nedumangad. The primary accused, stepfather Ashkar — described as a substance abuser — admitted during interrogation to repeatedly beating the child and burning the soles of his feet with a lighter. All of this took place with the silent complicity of the child's mother, Akhila. Even when the toddler's arm was broken, the accused waited 12 days before taking him to hospital. Police say the accused showed no remorse whatsoever during questioning. Both accused will be produced before a court this evening at around 5 pm.

The accused had initially fabricated a story that the child had been brought to SAT Hospital after vomiting while being fed lunch. However, the child's maternal grandmother and paternal grandfather approached police with complaints that the stepfather had been regularly beating the toddler — and it was this that unravelled the full extent of the crime.

Ashkar faces charges of murder, offences against children including POCSO provisions, and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Akhila has been charged as an abettor and co-conspirator. Police have indicated that a scene reconstruction at the location will not be carried out today.