Indian-origin Man Sues US Temple Over Son’s Branding with Hot Iron Rod
An Indian-origin man from Texas has filed a lawsuit against the Sri Ashtalakshmi Hindu temple in Sugarland, Texas, seeking over $1 million in damages for branding his 11-year-old son with a hot iron rod during a religious ceremony.
Incident Details
- Vijay Cheruvu alleged that his son was branded with a hot iron rod in August 2023 at the temple.
- The lawsuit claims the boy suffered excruciating pain and permanent disfigurement from the branding.
- The branding was done in the shape of the Hindu god Vishnu on the boy’s shoulder.
Lawsuit and Legal Action
Cheruvu is seeking damages against the temple and its parent firm, Jeeyar Educational Trust (JET) USA, Inc., highlighting the illegal act of branding a child without consent even with parental approval.
Legal Perspective
Attorney Brant Stogner emphasized that the branding caused severe pain, permanent disfigurement, and infection to the child, stressing that such actions are prohibited in Texas.
Community Impact
Stogner expressed the need to raise awareness and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future, ensuring the safety and well-being of all children within the community.
Child’s Statement
The impact statement from the child revealed the shock and pain experienced during the branding, emphasizing the wrongfulness of the act and the subsequent need for medical attention.
Emotional Impact
Cheruvu highlighted the mental and physical scars left on his son, indicating the necessity for therapy and the profound impact on the child’s well-being.
