Reghu Raj, Kerala: The scars on three-year-old Aromal's body bear testimony to the alleged torture by his parents.

A relative discovered Aromal chained to a post along with a dog at his house in Idukki, Kerala. an alarm was raised and police called in.

Neighbours say Aromal's mother Manju and his step-father Benny used to mistreat the boy. "The child used to sleep outside. We even tried telling them not to treat the child like but they would not listen to us," says a neighbour. And the true extent of the parents' cruelty can be seen on Aromal's right hand.

Aromal's stepfather allegedly pushed his hand into a boiling pot, because Aromal ate food without his permission. Aromal has also told the police that Benny used to burn him with cigarette stubs.

The child has been undergoing this kind of treatment ever since he came to live at Benny's house five months ago. Says a vicar in the area, Father Markose, "I told them if they can't take care of the child we will take care of him but they never listened to me."

Aromal has now been sent to an orphanage. Manju, Benny, and Benny's father Antony, are facing charges of attempted homicide. The state human rights commission is also likely to register a case soon.