MP woman accused of abusing 4-year-old adopted daughter

A four-year-old girl was admitted to the Choithram hospital in Indore with several bruises on her face, neck, arms and legs, activists said.

Child rights activists on Wednesday accused a single mother of assaulting and abusing her four-year-old girl “adopted” daughter who was admitted to a Indore hospital with multiple injuries on her body.

A four-year-old adopted girl was assaulted and abused by her mother.

Anmol was admitted to the Choithram hospital in Indore on Tuesday with several bruises on her face, neck, arms and legs, activists said. Her mother Sushila, who uses only her first name, claimed the minor fell down a flight of stairs.

Anmol was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU).

A doctor tipped off the activists after the injuries on Anmol’s body indicated regular physical abuse, said Jemini Varma, a member of the Bal Kalyan Samiti.

Varma said the entire adoption process was also doubtful as Anmol was the daughter of Sushila’s maid, identified only as Priyanka, who was untraceable.

“The way the adoption took place is highly irregular and we have recommended that Shushila be charged under relevant sections of the Juvenile Justice Act for the physical abuse,” Varma added.

Child Line city coordinator Pankaj Sanwale said Shushila brought Anmol to the hospital on January 11 in a semi-conscious state.

“We have decided that we will not hand over the child back to Sushila and we will keep her in the state’s custody. Senior police officials have seen Anmol’s condition and case will be registered once they take her statement,” Varma added.

Shushila runs a catering businesss and lives in the Dwarkapuri area of Indore.

On the alleged illegality of the adoption process, Sushila said she was willing to give up the child if the natural mother came and asked for her.

(With inputs from Hema Tiwari)