Infant Branded with Hot Iron Rod 40 Times As Bizarre Pneumonia Treatment in Madhya Pradesh

Shahdol: In a shocking incident in Madhya Pradesh’s Shahdol district, a one-and-a-half-month-old boy suffering from pneumonia was subjected to a bizarre and harmful traditional treatment. A “dai” or traditional birth attendant reportedly branded the infant with a hot iron rod over 40 times in an attempt to cure the illness.

The child’s deteriorating condition prompted the family to seek medical attention, revealing the extensive scars on the baby’s neck, stomach, and other body parts. Currently receiving treatment at the Government Medical College and Hospital in Shahdol, the infant is reported to be in stable condition.

A thorough investigation is underway, and authorities have filed a case against the dai, identified as Booti Bai Baiga, along with the baby’s mother and grandfather. The use of a hot iron rod as a remedy for illnesses, including pneumonia, has been a common yet perilous practice in tribal-dominated areas of the district.

This disturbing incident follows previous cases in the region, including the exhumation of a two-and-a-half-month-old girl earlier this year, who allegedly died after being branded more than 50 times with a hot iron rod for pneumonia treatment. Another case involved a three-month-old girl subjected to the same harmful practice.

Authorities are addressing the matter seriously, and a team of health officials has been assigned to investigate the incident thoroughly.