Bhatkal: A 4-year-old boy, Arhaan, residing with his mother on Bunder Road, passed away under suspicious circumstances. Bhatkal town police have initiated an investigation.

Arhaan fell seriously ill on Wednesday and was initially taken to the government hospital. Due to the severity of his condition, he was subsequently transferred to Manipal Hospital on the advice of local doctors. Unfortunately, despite efforts, the boy succumbed to his illness on Thursday.

While the mother alleges that Arhaan was seriously injured by a vehicle while standing on the roadside near Bundar Road 2nd Cross, doubts arise due to injury marks on the boy's body, including old scars on his face. Questions regarding which vehicle hit the boy and the mother's whereabouts at the time of the incident remain unanswered. The deceased boy's mother has reportedly been living separately from her husband for the past few months, raising suspicions. Moreover, suspicious injuries on the face and leg of her other two-and-a-half-year-old son contribute to the concerns.

The doctor at Bhatkal Government Hospital, who provided initial treatment to the deceased boy, noted that he was underweight for his age. Upon bringing the boy's body to his father's house in Bilalkhand on Friday, locals reportedly blamed the mother and assaulted her.

In response to the incident, the police have sent the body to Manipal for post-mortem, and further action will be taken based on the received report.