The stepfather, Arun, 27, was arrested by police yesterday. He has been charged for crimes under non-bailable sections, the sources said.
According to police, the child, Akhila, was alone in the house when the incident took place as her, Nija, had gone out to a nearby shop.
The child was writhing in pain with bruises all over her body when Nija came back. The neighbours also reached the house hearing the cries of the child and took the girl to hospital.
Arun married Lija an year back after her first marriage six years ago ended in divorce. Nija told police that Arun did not like her cuddling her daughter and used to frequently beat up the child.
The child, who has been admitted to a private hospital, is yet to recover from the trauma, the sources said.
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