4 year-old girl was allegedly tortured with a hot iron rod as punishment for not eating.

A four-year-old girl was allegedly tortured with a hot iron rod by a friend of her parents in Odisha's Berhampur as punishment for not eating, the police said today.

The child was admitted to the MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur, they said.

The incident took place two days ago, but it came to light yesterday when locals informed



the police.

The victim's mother said she and her husband had left their daughter at their friend's house for the summer vacation so that she could play with his baby.

"We had left our daughter at our friend's house. I was shocked with how he behaved with my child," said the girl's mother.

The accused was arrested yesterday.