Ludhiana Police Detain Family Members in Minor Marriage Case
In a significant development from Punjab, authorities in Ludhiana have taken into custody the parents and husband of a 15-year-old girl who was found to be heavily pregnant and a minor. This distressing incident came to the forefront when medical professionals at a local hospital in Jagraon raised concerns about the patient's age during her admission for treatment.
Hospital Alert Leads to Police Intervention
The case unfolded as doctors at the healthcare facility grew increasingly suspicious about the young patient's age. Upon careful examination and verification of her Aadhaar identification card, hospital staff confirmed that the girl was indeed a minor, prompting immediate notification to the Ghalib Kalan police post. This swift action by medical personnel highlights the crucial role healthcare workers play in identifying and reporting potential cases of child exploitation.
Investigation Reveals Troubling Details
Assistant Sub-Inspector Chamkaur Singh, who is spearheading the investigation, provided disturbing details about the circumstances surrounding this case. According to preliminary findings, the girl's mother allegedly arranged the marriage following her divorce from her first husband. The investigation has revealed several critical facts:
- The 15-year-old girl is currently in her third trimester of pregnancy
- Her mother and stepfather hail from a village in Moga district
- Her husband is a resident of Malerkotla district
- The illegal marriage ceremony took place several months ago
- The pregnancy occurred shortly after the unlawful union
This case underscores the persistent challenge of child marriages in certain regions despite legal prohibitions. The police action demonstrates the authorities' commitment to enforcing laws protecting minors from exploitation and early marriage. The arrested individuals now face serious legal consequences for their involvement in arranging and conducting a marriage with a minor, which constitutes a violation of multiple provisions under Indian law designed to safeguard children's rights and welfare.
