In Rajasthan's Bhilwara district, a four-month-old girl was hospitalised, where she was branded with an iron rod in an attempt to cure a severe cold and cough, the police said on Monday.

After the health of the baby, Nandini, from Rama Kheda village in Bhilwara, deteriorated, she was rushed to Mahatma Gandhi Hospital in Bhilwara.

The girl was apparently branded a couple of days ago, however, the matter came to light today when the doctors were informed about it, a police officer said.

The girl was branded on her stomach and was undergoing treatment, a doctor said.

"The girl is suffering from pneumonia and congenital heart disease. Cases of superstitious practices like branding to cure a cold and cough are common in Bhilwara. She is undergoing treatment in the ICU ward, in-charge paediatrics at Mahatma Gandhi Hospital," Dr O P Agal said.

A case has been registered under various IPC sections against unidentified accused on the complaint lodged by the Child Welfare Committee and further investigation is on, SHO Karoi police station Sunil Chaudhary said.

He said that this is not the first case in Bhilwara where superstition has even snuffed out the life of innocent children.

Last March, a 10-month-old infant girl lost her life to superstitious practice when she was branded with an iron rod allegedly by her grandfather to cure her severe cough and cold.

(with inputs from PTI)