Death of One Year Old in Malappuram Sparks Allegations of Denial of Medical Care by Parents

Malappuram: A one- year -old child died in Pang, near Kottakkal, allegedly due to lack of proper medical treatment. The child passed away around 5:30 PM on Friday in a rented house in Kottakkal. The body was buried at the family’s residence in Pang at 8:35 AM on Saturday.

Following allegations that the child’s parents, who are advocates of acupuncture, denied medical care, the Kadampuzha police registered a case of unnatural death. Police stated that the body will be exhumed for post-mortem. The parents’ statements have been recorded. The state Health Department has also launched an investigation, with health workers gathering information from the child’s relatives.

The parents, Hira Areera and Nawas, residents of Kottakkal, are known for promoting unscientific treatments. The child was reportedly born at their home in Kadampuzha in April 2024, without informing health authorities. The couple later shared their home-birth experience on Facebook, promoting the practice.

Health workers also stated that the child had not received any vaccinations so far. A month ago, the child showed symptoms of jaundice but was allegedly not taken to a hospital for treatment. However, the parents claim that the child collapsed while being breastfed. A doctor was called to the house, who confirmed the death. Since the death occurred in Edarikkode, the case has been handed over to Kottakkal police.