Angul: In a horrifying incident, a minor boy was rescued with critical injuries after his father reportedly branded him with hot iron for not going to school in Chhendipada in Odisha's Angul district. He was reportedly assaulted after his father was instigated by his stepmother. The incident, which has sent shock waves among locals, was reported from Hatianali village within Balipata panchayat under Chhendipada police limits of the district.

Childline services with the help of police came to the rescue of the 12-year-old boy after his grandmother reached out to them.

The victim was identified as one Subash Pradhan's son from his first marriage. After his first wife estranged, Subash had got married to Manjulata. However, soon after the second marriage, his son was subjected to torture and harassment by Manjulata.

As per reports, the boy was heading towards school a few days back, when his stepmother asked him to stay back. But when Subash came home, she instigated him and told him that the boy was unwilling to go to school. Irate on hearing this, Subash tied the boy with rope and beat him mercilessly. Unable to control his anger, he then heated an iron rod and branded him four times. Hearing the boy's screams, his maternal grandmother rushed to the spot and intervened. She then informed Childline services and police who then arrived and rescued the child in a critical state.

The boy's maternal grandfather alleged that he had been beaten and branded with iron many times in the past by his father. "Police must take stringent action against my son in-law. I want justice for his grandson," he claimed.

Meanwhile police said both Subash and Manjulata have been arrested and taken for interrogation. The minor will be produced before the Child Welfare Committee and then taken to Utkal Bala Ashram, official sources informed.