More than a decade after five-year-old Shafeeq ended up in a hospital in Kerala’s Idukki, with signs of prolonged abuse all over his body, the Thodupuzha Additional Sessions Court has convicted his father and stepmother for torturing and attempting to murder the child. The court, presided over by Judge Ash K. Bal, sentenced Shafeeq’s father, Sherif, to seven years in prison on Friday, December 20. His stepmother, Aneesa, received a ten-year sentence on charges that include Section 326 of the Indian Penal Code (voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means). Both Sherif and Aneesa were also fined ₹50,000 each. If they fail to pay the fine, they will serve an additional year in prison.
One of Kerala’s most sensational cases, the incident in question dates back to July 2013. Then just five years old, Shafeeq was admitted to a hospital in Kumily, after suffering severe injuries. His father and stepmother initially claimed the boy had been hurt in a fall. However, doctors discovered numerous burns and signs of prolonged physical abuse. Their suspicions were confirmed when the parents gave contradictory statements, prompting hospital authorities to notify the police and Childline.
The horrific abuse left Shafeeq with permanent brain damage and physical disabilities. His biological mother had died when he was just a year old, and his father had remarried Aneesa, who became his stepmother.
For the last 10 years, Shafeeq has been living with his caretaker, Ragini AH, who was appointed by the state government in 2013 when no relatives were willing to take on his guardianship. Despite the title of caretaker, Ragini has consistently told the media that she considers herself Shafeeq’s mother.
Ragini and Shafeeq live in a room on the fifth floor of the Al Azhar Medical College Hospital in Thodupuzha. The space has been lovingly decorated with colourful cartoons, toys, and textbooks, offering the teenager as much comfort as possible. Medical support is always on hand to assist with his needs.
Over the years, the media has highlighted the struggles faced by both Ragini and Shafeeq. While justice has now been served, the scars of the brutal assault remain. Shafeeq, now 16, remains bedridden.