On 5/5, Nguyen Thi Thanh Truc and her partner Danh Chon, 30, were arrested by Ho Chi Minh City Police for intentional infliction of injury.

Nguyen Thi Thanh Truc and Danh Chon were arrested. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Police

Three days earlier, residents in Phu Lam hamlet, Hoa Hiep commune (formerly Cu Chi district), reported a woman beating a small child in a rented house. Upon arrival, authorities found the child in critical condition.

The boy was covered in bruises and scratches, had a laceration on his head, and appeared disoriented with slow reactions. He was immediately taken to a local hospital for emergency care and then transferred to Nhi Dong 1 Hospital for specialized treatment.

Initial investigations confirmed the boy is Truc's biological son. Danh Chon had been living with Truc as her partner. The couple admitted to repeatedly using a bamboo stick to beat the child.

The boy's injuries on his back. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Police

Local residents reported witnessing the abuse but did not realize its severity. On 2/5, the boy's mother repeatedly struck him on his legs, back, and head. Despite seeing her son bleeding, neither Truc nor Chon took him to the hospital for treatment.

Preliminary medical examination revealed the boy suffered severe multiple injuries, including a broken arm and signs of acute kidney damage. Doctors noted these injuries are consistent with prolonged, severe abuse, and the child is currently receiving medical care.

The Ho Chi Minh City Police Board of Directors instructed the Criminal Police Department to coordinate with local police to gather further evidence for strict legal action.

Quoc Thang