By The News Observer Desk,
Kumta (Uttara Kannada): In a shocking incident that underscores the dark underbelly of domestic violence and child cruelty, a father in Hegde village, Kumta taluk, has been accused of subjecting his young son to unimaginable torture, highlighting the vulnerabilities children face even within their own homes. This human interest story reveals the profound emotional and physical scars inflicted on a minor, prompting urgent calls for stronger child protection measures.
Vijay Naik, the accused, allegedly locked his son in the family bathroom, doused his eyes with chili powder, and burned his hands in a series of barbaric acts that defy human decency. The boy, whose identity is being protected due to his minor status, endured this cruelty as part of ongoing abuse stemming from familial discord.
https://youtu.be/bdkpuI56gGw
The ordeal traces back to Naik's divorce from his former wife, Chitra, whom he had married 13 years ago. During the divorce a court order mandated shared custody, allowing the child to reside with his father. However, sources reveal that Naik, who began cohabiting with another woman post-divorce, viewed his son as an obstacle to his personal indulgences. What began as daily harassment escalated into sadistic violence, with the child reportedly beaten and tormented regularly to suppress any interference in his father's lifestyle.
The turning point came when the boy's teachers learned of his dire condition through his elder sister who had narrated the ordeal of the boy to the who began enquiring about the boy’s condition with Vijay Naik. Vijay in-turn evaded the direct reply and the girl with help of the teachers brought the incident to the notice of the mother of the boy. With the assistance of Kumta police, mother Chitra orchestrated a rescue operation, freeing the child from his nightmarish confinement. The traumatized boy was immediately rushed to Kumta Government Hospital, where he is receiving medical treatment for burns, eye injuries, and psychological trauma. Doctors have described his state as "severely distressed," emphasizing the long-term impact of such child abuse on mental health and development.
A case has been registered against Vijay Naik at the Kumta police station under relevant sections for child cruelty and assault. Naik, who fled the scene following the exposure of his actions, remains at large. Police have intensified their search, vowing to bring the perpetrator to justice and prevent further harm.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the silent epidemic of child abuse in rural communities, where familial pressures and lack of oversight can lead to devastating outcomes. Child rights activists are urging authorities to enhance monitoring of custody arrangements and provide better support for at-risk children. As the boy begins his road to recovery, his story stands as a poignant call for compassion, vigilance, and reform to shield the most vulnerable from such heinous cruelty.
Reporting and Videography By Saikiran Babrekar
