Berhampur: A 17-year-old girl from a tribal-dominated area in Kandhamal district successfully prevented her marriage to a significantly older man by seeking assistance from the Child Helpline. The girl, a high-achieving Plus III student, was rescued on Sunday afternoon through a joint effort by Child Helpline activists and police from a village under Sarangada police station limits.
Counselling and Medical Test Planned
Rasmita Karana, the district child protection officer (CDPO), stated, “After her counselling and a medical test, she will be produced before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC). Further steps will be taken as per the decision of the CWC.”
Girl Wants to Continue Studies
Khirod Prasad Nayak, district coordinator of Child Helpline, reported that the girl, who secured first division in both matric and Plus II examinations, aspires to pursue her education rather than marry. Sources indicated that her parents had arranged the marriage against her will to a man from the Daringbadi area. The girl fled home and sought refuge at a relative’s place in Sarangada, but feeling unsafe there, she called the Child Helpline at 1098 for help.
Police Rescue Operation
Child Helpline staff promptly alerted the IIC of Sarangada, leading to a rescue operation. Smita Jena, inspector in charge of Sarangada police station, said, “A team of police went to the spot immediately after getting a call from Child Helpline.” The girl is currently housed in a shelter home in Phulbani.
Counselling for Parents
Nayak added that they would counsel the girl’s parents about the legal marriageable age and urge them not to marry her until she turns 18. This case underscores the importance of helplines in preventing child marriages and protecting minors’ rights.
