Thalassery: Thalassery police on Friday arrested a man who brutally assaulted a six-year-old boy for leaning on his parked car here.
Police slapped attempt to murder charges on Shihshad, a native of Ponniam Palam.
Sections 308 (attempt to culpable homicide), 323 (punishment for voluntarily causing hurt) of the Indian Penal Code were slapped on Shihshad, Thalassery ACP Midhun Raj said. Section 308 is a non-bailable offence.
Later in the day, a court remanded him to 14-day custody in the case.
The CCTV visuals of the man kicking and assaulting the child were released on Thursday. The child Ganesh belongs to a Rajasthani family that migrated to Kerala for work.
The boy, who has sustained severe injuries on the back, was admitted to the taluk hospital for treatment, sources said.
Though the Thalassery police nabbed the accused on Thursday night, he was released soon after. He was taken into custody on Friday morning. The police have also taken his car into custody.
“The incident is shocking. Strict action will be taken against the accused," Education Minister V Sivankutty said.
The incident took place near the Old Thalassery bus stand at 8.30 pm on Thursday.
Local residents intervened to stop the man from assaulting the boy further. A lawyer intimated the police about the matter.
Health minister offers all help
Health Minister Veena George termed the incident "cruel, and shocking the very conscience".
Talking to reporters on Friday, George said the government will back the young boy, even providing medical support and legal assistance.
She also directed the Director of the Women and Child Development Department to investigate the incident and take strict action.
Meanwhile, DGP Anil Kant told reporters that an investigation will be conducted to see if there were any lapses on the part of the police in connection with the incident.
