Beed Police Intervene to Halt Child Marriage Ceremony at Temple Premises
In a decisive action against child marriage, the Beed police successfully thwarted the wedding of a 16-year-old girl at Kapildhar Devasthan temple in the district on Thursday. The authorities have registered a formal case under the stringent Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, targeting eight specifically identified individuals along with approximately 60 unidentified attendees, temple trustees, and members involved in the ceremony.
Swift Police Response Following Activist Tip-Off
The operation was initiated after social activist Tatvashil Kamble alerted the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) at 11:30 AM, reporting that the minor girl was scheduled to be married at noon within the temple complex. Responding with urgency, AHTU in-charge Police Sub-Inspector Pallavi Jadhav mobilized her team, accompanied by Kamble, and rushed to the location to intervene.
Upon arrival, the police encountered a scene where multiple wedding ceremonies were simultaneously taking place. Entering one of the halls, officers questioned a woman regarding the bride's identity. Initially, the woman provided misleading details but later disclosed the correct surname, which immediately raised red flags and confirmed suspicions.
Chaos and Groom's Escape During Police Intervention
As the AHTU team moved to secure custody of the minor girl, wedding attendees grew suspicious of the police presence, triggering widespread panic. In the ensuing confusion, the groom, identified as Rajendra Bhausaheb Shinde (24), a resident of Pimpalachi Wadi in Shirur Kasar taluka of Beed district, managed to flee the venue, evading immediate apprehension.
Despite the dense crowd and chaotic atmosphere, PSI Jadhav and her team successfully extracted the minor girl from the situation. Jadhav proactively stopped individuals attempting to escape, using the opportunity to educate them about the legal ramifications and severe consequences outlined under the Child Marriage Prohibition Act.
Minor Girl Provided Counseling and Protective Custody
The rescued girl received immediate counseling from the authorities, who worked to gain her trust and confidence. During these sessions, she confirmed that her marriage had been solemnized with Rajendra Bhausaheb Shinde. Subsequently, she was presented before the Child Welfare Committee in Beed to ensure her ongoing care, protection, and welfare under legal safeguards.
Widespread Absconding and Detentions Follow Police Action
In the aftermath of the intervention, key figures including the girl's parents, maternal uncle, the groom, and his parents absconded from the scene. Police detained the groom's uncle and several other relatives, presenting them at the Beed Rural police station for further investigation and legal proceedings. To bolster the case, Child Marriage Prohibition Officer Shriram Veer, who serves as the gram panchayat officer of Pali, was summoned to the police station to assist with official procedures and documentation.
Authorities Issue Public Appeal for Vigilance
Beed Superintendent of Police Navneet Kanwat emphasized the importance of community cooperation in combating child marriage. "We earnestly appeal to all citizens to promptly inform the police if they encounter or suspect any such incidents," stated Kanwat, highlighting the critical role of public vigilance in enforcing child protection laws and preventing underage marriages across the region.
