Father drops son on hot coal during ritual

JALANDHAR (PUNJAB): A six-year-old boy was rushed to the hospital with serious burn injuries after his father dropped him on hot coals during a ritual, a doctor said Monday.

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The father was walking barefoot with his son Kartik in his arms on the red-hot embers when he lost his balance and fell during the ritual on Sunday, an AFP photographer at the scene said.

Bystanders rushed to the rescue and took Kartik to hospital after other family members refused to accompany him, saying they had faith in God to heal him.

“The boy was admitted on Sunday night in the emergency ward. He has burn injuries on his limbs and on one side of his trunk,” doctor Jangpreet Singh told AFP.

“The father has also sustained about 15% burns. I think it will take at least five to seven days for their wounds to heal.”

Nearly 600 devotees had gathered in Jalandhar for a festival in honour of the goddess Maa Maariamma.

Devotees must fast for seven days before walking on the burning coals in the ancient practice aimed at appeasing the deity.

Three years ago am other carrying her daughter slipped and fell on the hot surface, also during the Jalandhar ritual.