India, March 3 -- In a shocking incident, a one-month-old baby boy was branded with hot metal in Odisha's Nabarangpur district as part of a superstitious healing practice. The baby, who fell seriously ill after the branding, has been admitted to Umerkote Hospital for treatment. The incident took place at Phundelpara village under Chandahandi block of the district.

As per reports, Saroj Kumar Nayak's infant son, Bhavyansu Nayak, developed a fever ten days ago and was shivering while crying persistently. Instead of seeking medical help, the family subjected the child to branding with hot metal, believing it would cure him. The baby was branded more than 30 times on his belly.

As his condition deteriorated, the family members took him to ...