Battered Baby Syndrome-A Case Report

Battered baby syndrome is a tragic and disturbing phenomenon. Unfortunately, it is a crime that is often successfully hidden by its perpetrators. Forensic expert has an important role to play in uncovering the cases of battered baby syndrome and gathering evidence for their successful prosecution.

A two and half year male child was admitted to Pediatrics I.C.U. of T.N.M.C. & B.Y.L. Nair Ch. Hospital with history of fever, weakness and superficial injuries. Initially Pediatricians diagnose the case as ‘failure to thrive’ and called forensic experts for evaluation of injuries. On detailed examination and investigations by Forensic Medicine personnel and Pediatricians it was observed that the baby was having multiple injuries and fractures of different stages of healing along with head injury. History obtained from the mother and father, who were in live in relationship was of conflicting nature. When the police were summoned to register the case both the parents absconded.