Kochi, 23 Jan (H.S):In a disturbing case of domestic violence, a 30-year-old woman has been arrested for brutally assaulting her elderly mother with an iron rod following a minor dispute over a face cream. The accused, identified as Nivya, a resident of Panangad Thitta in Kumbalam, was taken into custody by the Panangad police from Mananthavady in Wayanad, where she had gone into hiding after the incident.

The victim, Saraswathi (70), suffered serious injuries in the attack, including fractured ribs, and is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital. The incident occurred on Thursday evening at their residence in Panangad.

According to the police, the altercation began when Nivya questioned her mother about moving her face cream without permission. What started as a verbal argument quickly escalated into violence. Investigators said the accused grabbed her mother by the neck and repeatedly struck her with an iron rod, inflicting severe injuries.

Saraswathi’s cries for help alerted neighbours, who rushed to the house and found the elderly woman lying injured. They immediately intervened, rescued her from further harm, and shifted her to a nearby hospital for emergency medical care. Doctors later confirmed that she had sustained rib fractures due to the assault.

Police sources revealed that Nivya has a criminal background and is an accused in multiple cases, including a child abduction case and a ganja-related offence. Officers also said that she had a history of frequent quarrels with her mother, and tensions within the household had been ongoing for some time.

Following the assault, a case was registered against Nivya under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. Upon learning that the police had initiated legal action, she absconded from the area, prompting a search operation. Acting on specific information, the Panangad police tracked her movements and arrested her from Mananthavady in Wayanad district.

After being taken into custody, Nivya was brought back to Kochi for further interrogation. Police said she will be produced before the court and additional legal procedures will follow.

The incident has shocked residents of the locality, highlighting the growing concern over violence within families and the vulnerability of elderly individuals in domestic settings. Police have assured that strict action will be taken to ensure justice for the victim and to deter similar incidents in the future.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman