A 10-year-old tribal girl from Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh, is recovering in hospital after being burned with a hot ladle by her guardian and neighbours who suspected her of stealing a mobile phone.
According to the police, the girl’s aunt, Manikala, along with some neighbours, tortured her on the advice of a soothsayer. “I kept saying I didn’t steal the phone, but they didn’t listen,” the girl told reporters, her face visibly burnt.
Five people, including Manikala, have been arrested. The case has been filed under serious charges, including attempting to murder and causing grievous hurt to extract a confession, along with sections of the Juvenile Justice Act.
Andhra Pradesh Women’s Commission chairperson Sailaja Rayapati visited the girl at Apollo Hospital in Nellore. She said on X, “I assured her that the Women’s Commission will support the family. I’ve asked the police to take strict action. Society must act together to protect children and end superstitions.”
The YSR Congress Party also reacted strongly. “This barbaric act has shaken the conscience of the state,” it posted on X.
“We demand strict action against all those involved. The law and order situation under the TDP-led government is collapsing. Children from vulnerable communities must be protected at all costs.”
Police say the girl’s parents are migrant workers and are currently untraceable. If they are not found, the girl may be placed in institutional care.
Local residents told police that Manikala had thrown the girl out of her house two months ago after a fight. Since then, the child had been living with others in the tribal hamlet of Kuditipalem Kakarladibba.
On Sunday, the girl was found crying, with blisters all over her body. She was first taken to a local health centre, then shifted to a bigger hospital.
In another disturbing incident, two men from the Yadav community in Uttar Pradesh’s Etawah district were forcibly tonsured by upper caste men.Police said the victims were religious storytellers (“katha vachaks”) who had come to Dandarpur village to narrate the Bhagwad Katha. When locals found out they belonged to the OBC (Yadav) caste, they allegedly humiliated them by shaving their heads.
A video of the incident went viral, after which four men were arrested, including the main accused.
“They burned me even when I cried and begged,” the tribal girl said bravely, her voice shaking.
“This cruelty must not be tolerated. The guilty must face consequences,” added Rayapati, the women’s commission chief.
