Kolar: Parents of a three-year-old boy Prithvi have been arrested for allegedly torturing him to death. The incident took place in Karnataka’s Kolar district.

The minor was rushed to Kolar district Hospital in the wee hours of Tuesday where hospital authorities found severe injuries and cigarette burn marks on his body. The boy then succumbed to his injuries.

A complaint was registered with the Malur Police by the minor’s grandfather who claimed that he witnessed the boy’s mother had inflicted him with cigarette wounds to the point of falling unconscious.

The grandfather, Nanjundaiah in his complaint said that his grandson had a history of throwing tantrums and was indeed a mischievous child. Nanjundaiah also alleged that his son would often complain to him about the boy’s behaviour and he had advised a doctor’s opinion. However, the minor’s parents didn’t consult a doctor.

Nanjudaiah also alleged that on that fateful night, the three-year-old had been taken to a faith healer to control his behaviour. The healer allegedly chanted some prayers for the minor and sent the family home. Soon after returning home, the minor again threw tantrums.

The mother is accused of beating her child repeatedly and even burning him with a cigarette. “Even before I could save him, the minor fell unconscious and was rushed to the hospital,” the complainant said.

Malur police say that the little boy had injuries on his head and genitals, with cigarette burns on several parts of his body. The minor did not respond to treatment and succumbed to his injuries.

Malur police have arrested Renuka and Harish and booked them under section 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) of the IPC.