Mumbai Police arrested a 30-year-old woman for allegedly pouring hot water on her nine-year-old niece after the minor was not able to wash clothes properly, The Times of India reported.
The matter came to light after neighbours saw burn injuries on the child’s body and called in the police. The girl said she was scared and did not want to return to her aunt’s home. She was taken to a hospital for treatment, and her condition is said to be stable now.
Upon further questioning by the police, the girl revealed that because she couldn’t wash clothes properly, her aunt had poured hot water over her, scalding her neck, right shoulder, ear and leg.
The aunt, identified as Safiya Sheikh, was arrested under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act and section 326 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means) of the Indian Penal Code. She has since been sent to judicial custody.
Police said the girl’s mother was mentally ill, which is why she was sent off to live at her aunt’s place. Once discharged, the minor’s custody will be given to her elder brother.