A 22-day-old baby was branded 65 times with a hot sickle in the name of traditional healing for laboured breathing on Tuesday, February 25. The incident occurred at Seemori village of Chikhaldara taluka, Amravati district in Maharashtra, which left the baby in critical condition.
The infant was admitted to the ICU at Amravati Hospital on Tuesday for advanced treatment. Earlier, doctors suggested that the baby was suffering from a congenital heart condition leading to breathing difficulties. The child's heart rate irregularities require a 2D echo test for proper diagnosis.
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There are deep-rooted superstitions and traditional practices in the tribal-dominated Melghat region. Sources said that authorities and the health department must take strict action to prevent the recurrence of such incidents and spread awareness about scientific medical treatment.