India: Mother arrested after forcing 20-month-old to smoke, drink 

In an extremely distressing incident, a woman from Assam’s Silchar was seen allegedly forcing her 20-month-old baby to smoke a cigarette and drink alcohol.

According to reports, the disturbing incident took place in Silchar’s Chengkurit. The local Child Helpline Cell got a complaint about the woman along with photographs which supported the alleged claims.

Shortly after the complaint, the police reached the woman’s residence, rescued the child, and detained the mother for interrogation.

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While addressing the media, the child helpline officials said that after coming across the incident, where a mother was abusing her child by making the infant smoke and drink alcohol, police were immediately informed and appropriate action was taken. The mother wasdetained and the child was rescued.

The Child Welfare Committee (CWC) has taken temporary custody of the mother and child to ensure the child's safety.

A thorough investigation will be conducted, including reviewing any available evidence and interviewing the mother. This will help determine the best course of action for the child's future.

Social media users criticised the mother and demanded appropriate action against the woman with many even saying that the child should be given for adoption.

User Jasmeen Bajwa wrote, "This is so alarming. What's wrong with this woman? Extremely disturbing."

Another user tagged official handles of child protection and child welfare, said, “Take such matters seriously and save the child. Prompt action is needed in matters of child abuse. Please revert with action taken on the matter.”

A third user wrote, "Child should be given for adoption to a loving and responsible family! She is not fit to be a mother. In foreign countries she would have been in jail for a long time.....”

Meanwhile, in a similar incident, a video of a woman carrying her child and smoking a cigarette while making a reel surfaced on social media.

A video circulating on social media shows a woman carrying a young child.

While lip-syncing to an old Bollywood song, she holds a cigarette in her hand. The child's well-being has sparked concern among viewers who are calling for authorities to investigate the situation.

Netizens expressed concernand criticisedsocial media and its negative impact.

"This should STOP!! Secondhand smoke can have a devastating impact on babies, increasing their risk of sudden infant death syndrome, respiratory issues, ear infections, and even affecting their brain development. It's like a toxic cloud hovering over them, wreaking havoc on their…," said a user Dr Priyank S.

Another user wrote, "She should be arrested for forcing the kid for passive smoking. It's CRIMINAL".

(With inputs from agencies)