5-year-old child injured after Police constable’s lathi strikes his head

Mysuru: A five-year-old boy suffered serious head injuries after a Police constable’s lathi struck him while he was watching the Dasara Jumboo Savari procession with his parents at Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Circle (Highway Circle) yesterday.

The boy, Shishir, was watching the procession with his parents, Nagaraju and Sowmya, residents of Bannimantap, when the constable, who was on duty, swung his lathi and hit the child on the head.

Shishir was rushed to nearby Manipal Hospital, where he was treated in the emergency ward before being shifted to the ICU. He remained there overnight and underwent surgery this morning.

Speaking to Star of Mysore this morning, City Police Commissioner Seema Latkar said the matter was being looked into. “We have spoken to the hospital management and the doctors. The condition of the child is stable and the Department is ready to extend all necessary help to the family,” she said.

In a statement, Manipal Hospital said the child had been admitted yesterday with a head injury and had undergone surgery.

“The child is currently stable and is receiving ongoing treatment and medical care under the supervision of Dr. Maqsood Ahmed, Senior Consultant — Neurosurgery, Manipal Hospitals Mysuru,” the statement said, adding that the medical team was closely monitoring the child’s condition.

The incident has drawn public criticism, with people demanding stringent action against the constable.