In a shocking incident in Madhya Pradesh's Indore district, 13 individuals have been booked for allegedly marrying off a 13-year-old minor girl to a 42-year-old man. The case came to light after the local police received a tip-off about the illegal marriage.
Details of the Incident
According to police officials, the marriage took place in a village under the jurisdiction of the Sanwer police station. The groom, identified as a 42-year-old man, and his father are among the 13 accused named in the First Information Report (FIR). The other accused include relatives and community members who allegedly facilitated the marriage.
Rescue Operation
Acting on the information, a team of police officers, along with child welfare officials, raided the location and rescued the minor girl. She was immediately taken to a shelter home for medical examination and counseling. The police have registered a case under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, and relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including those related to kidnapping and sexual assault.
Legal Action and Investigation
The FIR has been filed against the accused under various charges, including child marriage, kidnapping, and criminal conspiracy. The police are conducting a thorough investigation and have launched a manhunt to apprehend the absconding accused. Senior police officials have assured that strict action will be taken against all those involved.
Community Response
The incident has sparked outrage among local residents and child rights activists. Many have condemned the practice of child marriage and called for stricter enforcement of laws. The district administration has also initiated awareness programs to educate the community about the legal implications and health risks associated with child marriage.
Background
Child marriage remains a persistent issue in various parts of India, despite stringent laws. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), Madhya Pradesh has one of the highest rates of child marriage in the country. The state government has been taking measures to curb this practice, but incidents like this highlight the challenges that remain.
The rescued girl is currently under the care of child welfare authorities, and her future will be decided by the Child Welfare Committee. The police have urged anyone with information about the accused to come forward and assist in the investigation.
