Five inmates of a hostel were caned on Saturday after a cell phone of the hostel warden was found missing.
The victims, who are orphans, were admitted to the Government Rajaji Hospital on Sunday.
Multiple injuries
A hospital source said the boys had suffered multiple injuries all over the body.
Fearing further assault, they fled the hostel, which is situated in Al-Ameen Nagar near Surya Nagar in Appan Thirupathi police station limits.
It is said that a policeman spotted the boys near Periyar bus stand as they were wandering in the locality. Based on their submission, the policeman referred them for admission to the hospital. The hospital authorities said that they informed the Appan Thirupathi police and Madhichiyam police.
Madurai District Superintendent of Police V. Balakrishnan visited the injured at the hospital on Sunday evening.
Inquiries were on with the warden.
