Heartbreaking Fate of Toddler Abused and Head-Shaved by Uncle and Aunt in Surabaya

Surabaya - Police have arrested an uncle and aunt who abused their nephew, a 4-year-old toddler, in Lakarsantri, Surabaya. The two claimed they committed the abuse because the child was naughty and difficult to control.

As reported by detikJatim on Sunday (2/15/2026), Head of the Women and Children Protection and Human Trafficking Unit at Surabaya Metro Police AKBP Melatisari said her team is still investigating the true motive of the two suspects.

“For now, the suspects claim it was because the child was naughty and difficult to control,” Melati said.

Melati did not elaborate on what kind of misbehavior the suspects were referring to. She said the abuse inflicted by the suspects caused the toddler to suffer multiple injuries. The victim’s uncle and aunt also shaved parts of the child’s head bald.

Previously, the toddler had been subjected to abuse by the uncle and aunt at a rented room on Jalan Bangkingan, Lakarsantri, Surabaya. The victim is believed to have been tortured by the uncle and aunt for two months.

The incident came to light on Monday (2/9) at around 2:00 PM WIB when the victim, who was locked inside the rented room, screamed for help to a neighbor.