In a glaring example of the superstitions still prevalent in different regions of the State, 25 children were branded with hot iron at Thoria Chhanda village under Bhuban block in district on Monday.
After the incident came to the fore, it sent shockwaves among the child rights activists.
Sources said the villagers believe that children will be prevented from diseases if they are branded with hot iron on the day after Makar Sankranti.
Sources said over 25 children were branded with hot iron by their family members at Thoria Chhanda village as a cure for various stomach diseases. From newborns to five-year-old children, family members branded their children with hot iron and copper rods.
A local villager said, “Our forefathers used to perform the practice on the day after Makar Sankranti every year. We are just repeating the ritual.”
However, Dhenkanal district SP Basant Panigrahi said police would take action if any complaint is filed with them. They are also looking into the different provisions under Indian Penal Code by which the practice can be curbed.