Police in Kerala's Kollam district have arrested a man identified as Rajesh after a video surfaced allegedly showing him assaulting his 13-year-old stepson, a Class 8 student, at Kuriyodu in Chadayamangalam, according to reports by ThePrint, Onmanorama, Mathrubhumi English and The South First. The allegations have not been established in court, and the accused is in police custody.

Source: The Indian Messenger

The boy's mother alleged that the accused, her partner, had repeatedly subjected the child to verbal abuse and physical violence, according to The Indian Messenger's account of the family's statements. After the video of the alleged assault emerged, a Chadayamangalam police team arrested the accused.

Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan intervened in the case, speaking directly with the Kollam Rural Superintendent of Police and directing strict legal action, Mathrubhumi English reported. The Chief Minister assured that the child's safety and medical care would be ensured.

Child rights panel takes suo motu cognizance

The Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights took suo motu cognizance of the media reports and registered a case. The commission directed the Kollam Rural Superintendent of Police, the Chadayamangalam Station House Officer and the District Child Protection Officer to submit urgent reports on the action taken, The Indian Messenger reported.

Women and Child Development Minister Bindu Krishna also reacted to the case, urging mothers not to remain silent when children are beaten and assuring strict action against those who harm children, according to MediaOne reports.

What happens next will depend on the police investigation and the reports sought by the child rights commission. Awaaz Punjab is not naming the boy or his mother, in line with protections for minor victims.