Thodupuzha (Kerala): A nine year-old boy, who took Rs 10 for purchasing puffs, was allegedly branded by his mother with burning firewood, causing injuries, police said.
Police have registered a case under Sect 21 of the Juvenile Justice Act (care and protection of children) and arrested the boy's mother, police said.
The incident occurred at Perumbilli here on Wednesday.
When the boy failed to go to school on the re-opening day today, one of his neighbours enquired and saw the burn injuries on his stomach, hands and face.
He immediately informed the child welfare committee, who took the child to a hospital.
The boy, a third standard student, is now under the care of the child welfare committee.
Police said the mother had alleged that she had taken the extreme step as the boy allegedly had the habit of stealing money.
