Father sues Texas Hindu temple, alleging it branded 11-year-old with hot iron

The father is asking for $1 million in damages due to what he says was permanent scarring from the branding ceremony.

A Texas man is suing a local Hindu temple, alleging it branded his son with a hot iron during a cultural ceremony.

Vijay Cheruvu, of Fort Bend County, said he did not give his consent for his son to participate in the event in August, during which he alleges several children were branded in front of a group of adults.

The lawsuit, filed last week in Texas’ 458th District Court, says Cheruvu’s son was burned on both shoulders against his will, causing extreme pain, permanent skin damage, an infection and emotional trauma.

“I was shocked. I didn’t know how to handle it. My primary concern is for my son’s well-being,” Cheruvu said at a news conference covered by local TV channels.