Gundlupet: A case of alleged cruelty by a stepmother against an adopted minor girl was reported from K.S. Nagaratnamma Layout in Gundlupet town on Thursday.

Police have registered a case against Soumya, the wife of Puttarajachari, a tailor from Mysuru and a resident of Nenekatte village, on charges of subjecting the child to physical and mental abuse. She has been arrested in connection with the incident.

The injured girl received medical treatment and was later transferred to Bala Mandira Santhwana Kendra in Chamarajanagar for care and protection.

According to the Police, Puttarajachari married Soumya after his first wife left him. As the couple had no children, he adopted a girl around 12 years ago. While the family was residing in Gundlupet, Puttarajachari continued his tailoring work in Mysuru.

Investigators said the child, now a Class VI student, was allegedly subjected to repeated verbal abuse, physical assault and harassment by Soumya over a period of time.

On Thursday morning, the situation escalated when Soumya attacked the girl, causing burn injuries. Neighbours, alerted by the child’s cries, rushed to her aid and admitted her to the Government Hospital in Gundlupet.

Gundlupet Police reached the spot, recorded statements from residents and took Soumya into custody. A case has been registered under the relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 202.

Meanwhile, Puttarajachari reportedly claimed he was unaware of the incident, a claim that has raised suspicions among  the residents.

Child Development Project Officer Hemavathi visited the hospital to assess the child’s health condition and assured that all necessary care, protection and rehabilitation support would be provided.

She said legal action would be pursued against the accused and that special measures would be taken to safeguard the child’s future.