Kochi: On Saturday, a seven-year-old boy, who had been battling for life at a hospital near here after being brutally assaulted by his mother's partner a week ago, succumbed to wounds Saturday, doctors said. Doctors said police have been informed about the death of the boy for completing all legal formalities. His body has been shifted to the mortuary of the hospital. The boy was brought to the hospital in a very critical condition eight days ago.

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New evidence in the case shows the brutality of the attacker ran much deeper. CCTV footage from the Chazhikattu hospital in Idukki district clearly shows that the assaulter – Arun Anand – tried to delay treatment for the child, thereby ensuring that the child did not get medical help in the Golden Hour after the trauma.

The boy had suffered a skull fracture, internal bleeding, and lung injury, besides cuts and bruises all over his body. His brother also sustained injuries. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had visited the child on Monday and said the boy was "very critical" and was fully on ventilator support. Anand has been arrested and booked for attempt to murder. The woman's husband died 10 months ago, after which the Anand had been staying with them.

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