Three Women Among Four Booked for Alleged Child Marriage of Two Minor Sisters for Rs 50,000 in Ludhiana
The Ludhiana rural police have taken decisive action by registering a First Information Report (FIR) against four individuals, including three women, for the alleged forced marriage of two minor sisters. The incident, which reportedly occurred in July last year, involved a payment of Rs 50,000, highlighting a disturbing case of child exploitation under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act.
Details of the FIR and Accused Persons
The FIR was filed at the Sadar Jagraon police station based on a complaint from Gurpreet Singh, a resident of Rumi village. In his statement, Gurpreet Singh accused his wife, Sukhwinder Kaur, along with her accomplices Reshma Kaur, Harjinder Kaur (also known as Mintu), and Lakha Singh, of orchestrating the marriage of his two minor nieces against their will. The complaint specifically alleges that this unlawful act took place in July 2025, with the accused exploiting the vulnerable situation of the young girls.
Background of the Minor Sisters and Family Circumstances
According to the FIR, the two minor sisters are the daughters of Gurpreet Singh's younger brother, Lakhvir Singh, and his wife, Sunita. The couple had three daughters, born in 2008, 2009, and 2011. Tragically, after the parents passed away, the paternal grandparents took on the responsibility of caring for the girls. However, two years ago, the grandparents also died, leaving the sisters in the care of Gurpreet Singh and his wife, Sukhwinder Kaur.
Gurpreet Singh reported that on July 6, 2025, upon returning home from work, he discovered that all three of his nieces were missing. Upon investigation, he learned that his wife and her accomplices, including his paternal cousin Lakha Singh, had allegedly married off the two elder nieces, who were then aged 17 and 16, respectively. The youngest niece, who was present, confirmed to Gurpreet that both girls were married by their aunt against their will, underscoring the coercive nature of the act.
Police Investigation and Legal Actions
Sub-inspector Surjit Singh, the Station House Officer (SHO) of Sadar Jagraon police station, provided updates on the case. He confirmed that two of the accused, Reshma Kaur and Harjinder Kaur, have been arrested, while a manhunt is underway for the remaining suspects. Prima facie investigations suggest that the girls were married into a Ludhiana-based family after the accused received Rs 50,000, indicating a financial motive behind the crime.
The police are yet to meet the girls directly to verify their statements and well-being. The arrested women will be interrogated to determine the whereabouts of the minors and gather further evidence. The FIR has been registered under Sections 9 and 10 of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, which penalize those involved in solemnizing or promoting child marriages.
Ongoing Verification and Official Statements
Jagraon DSP Jaswinder Singh added that the authorities are in the process of verifying the ages of the girls to confirm their minor status, which is crucial for the legal proceedings under the child marriage law. This step ensures that the case is handled with the utmost seriousness, given the severe implications of child marriage on the victims' rights and futures.
The incident has sparked concerns about the enforcement of child protection laws in rural areas, with police emphasizing their commitment to tackling such crimes. The community and law enforcement agencies are urged to remain vigilant to prevent similar occurrences and protect vulnerable children from exploitation.
