Kochi: A seven-year-old boy, who had been battling for life at a hospital near here after being brutally assaulted by his mother's partner a week ago, succumbed to wounds on Saturday, doctors said. Doctors at the private medical college hospital at nearby Kolenchery said the boy, who was put on a ventilator support, stopped responding to medicines and his heartbeat stopped at 11.30 AM.

His death was confirmed at 11.35 AM, they said. Doctors said police have been informed about the death of the boy for completing all legal formalities. His body has been shifted to the mortuary of the hospital.
The boy was brought to the hospital in a very critical condition eight days ago. The boy was left with a cracked skull after he was hit with a stick allegedly by his mother's partner when the Class II student was trying to protect his younger brother from being beaten up.