Four-year old 'branded' by landlady for playing at odd hours

A four-year-old boy has allegedly been branded with a hot steel rod by the owner of their rented house for playing in her residence here at odd hours, prompting Child Protection unit officials to initiate a probe into it.
The boy was branded on his cheek and foot two days ago and had difficulty in walking, Ditrict Child Protection Officer Vijaya said today.
Based on information given by a neighbour, the district child protection unit officials visited the boy in his house yesterday and were inquiring into the incident, she said.
After thorough inquiry, necessary action would be initiated against the offender, she added.

The boy was living with grandparents and father in a rented house at Puliyakulam area as his mother had left the family upset over her alcoholic husband.
House owner Rani had allegedly branded the boy for playing inside her house during odd hours, officials said.
Police said the boy's father filed a complaint today about the incident and they would inquire into it.
Initially, the boy's family did not lodge a police complaint since they were afraid that the owner may ask them to vacate the house.