Burning baby case: Tests find nothing odd about infant

A battery of tests conducted on baby Rahul till date has disproved the theory that he has an abnormal condition that makes him go up in flames.

The baby, undergoing treatment at Government Kilpauk Medical College Hospital for burn injuries, is expected to be discharged this weekend.

The three-month-old boy was referred to the hospital a fortnight ago after his parents said he went up in flames spontaneously. The parents said Rahul had self-ignited four times since birth. Rahul had extensive scars on his body including his scalp.

The hospital performed about 30 tests, including genetic karyotyping, on the baby. On Monday, the hospital received all test results. The child has no condition that triggers self combustion.

J. Jagan Mohan, head of plastic surgery department at the hospital, had earlier said child abuse should not be ruled out.

Hospital authorities have provided psychiatric counselling to the parents, Rajeswari and Karna, casual labourers from T. Parangini, a hamlet in Villupuram district. The couple was accompanied by Rajeswari’s mother, who was also counselled.

Hospital dean P. Ramakrishnan said on Wednesday that a detailed report would be submitted on Thursday by the psychiatrist. The dean will then compile the reports and submit them to the police if they wish to take up investigations.

The baby is expected to be discharged by Friday or Saturday, said R. Narayana Babu, head of paediatrics department.