A 1.5-year-old boy from Nedumangad in Kerala has died under extremely disturbing circumstances, with police arresting his mother Akhila (24) and her live-in partner Ashkar (31) on charges of murder and related offences under the Juvenile Justice Act.

According to investigators and preliminary postmortem findings, the child sustained around 51 injuries across his body, indicating repeated and severe physical abuse over a period of time.The toddler was taken to a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday evening by Ashkar, who claimed that the child had choked on food.

However, the child died shortly after being admitted, prompting a detailed autopsy that revealed internal bleeding as the cause of death along with multiple external injuries, including burn marks and trauma to sensitive areas.Police officials stated that the injuries were consistent with sustained assault over weeks.It has been alleged that the live-in partner was the primary perpetrator, while the mother allegedly failed to intervene or protect the child.

The accused reportedly subjected the child to violent acts, including hitting his head against a wall and inflicting burns using a lighter and cigarettes.

Investigators also noted that a video recorded by a vlogger weeks earlier showed the child with both hands bandaged, raising further suspicion of ongoing abuse.

The mother was arrested after being questioned by police upon returning from Tamil Nadu, where she had travelled for a dance event at the time of the child’s death.Both accused were remanded to judicial custody.The child’s biological father had died in 2024.

Family members of both accused have alleged a history of domestic violence by Ashkar, prompting police to consider a deeper probe into his background.Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances leading to the child’s death and possible prior abuse incidents.