In a deeply distressing case that has raised serious questions about parental negligence and the dangers of rejecting modern medicine, a one-year-old boy in Kerala’s Malappuram district has died after reportedly being denied medical treatment and vaccinations due to his parents’ personal beliefs.
The deceased child, identified as Esen Erhan, was the son of Nawaz and Heera Hareera, residents of Kottakal. The tragic incident took place on June 27 when the infant, suffering from jaundice, passed away without receiving any form of scientific or medical care.
According to police sources, the boy’s parents deliberately avoided seeking professional medical assistance, relying instead on unscientific practices and alternative therapies. Shockingly, the child had not received any vaccinations since birth, a fact that came to light only after local government officials visited the family to inquire about the sudden death.
Authorities were alarmed to learn that the child’s mother, Heera Hareera, is an acupuncture practitioner who had previously posted content on social media expressing her rejection of modern medicine. The couple reportedly believed that the child’s jaundice would heal naturally if he was exposed to rainwater, a notion entirely unsupported by medical science.
The family had already buried the boy before officials could intervene. However, following complaints and concerns raised by health authorities, the police initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death. The child’s body was exhumed for a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death and establish whether criminal negligence played a role.
“We have taken this matter very seriously. Based on the post-mortem findings, appropriate legal action will be taken against the parents if medical neglect is confirmed,” said a senior police officer involved in the investigation.
The case has sparked widespread outrage in the community and among medical professionals who have highlighted the dangers of rejecting scientific healthcare, especially for infants and children. Doctors have also expressed concern over the growing trend of vaccine hesitancy fueled by misinformation and pseudo-scientific beliefs shared on social media platforms.
Health officials in Malappuram, a district that has previously battled low vaccination rates, called the death preventable and tragic. “A child lost his life because basic healthcare and timely vaccination were denied. This is not just a private tragedy; it is a public health concern,” said a senior health officer.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are also considering measures to raise awareness against anti-vaccine propaganda and promote immunisation and timely medical care, especially in vulnerable communities.
