In a swift operation on Sunday afternoon, the Baner police in Pune successfully averted a child marriage and rescued a 15-year-old girl from a wedding pandal in the area. The police registered a case under the provisions of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act of 2006 against eight individuals, including the 22-year-old bridegroom, the girl's parents, the priest, some relatives, the wedding photographer, and others. Following the rescue, the girl was shifted to a government observation home for her safety.
Details of the Incident
Approximately 30 to 35 people were present at the wedding ceremony when the police intervened. Authorities served notices to all these individuals, instructing them to cooperate with the ongoing investigations. Senior Inspector Chandrashekhar Sawant of the Baner police provided insights into the case, stating that the girl's family originally hails from the Parbhani district in the Marathwada region and migrated to Pune city after the Covid-19 lockdown. Her father works as a security guard, while other relatives are employed at construction sites. The relatives of the girl's parents also come from various districts of the Vidarbha region.
Family Background and Decision to Marry
The girl is a school dropout and stays at home. Her father has married for the second time, and the girl did not get along with her stepmother. Consequently, she was residing with her elder married sister. At some point, the girl's family collectively decided to marry her off to an adult who is seven years her senior and works as a daily wage laborer in the Balewadi area. Inspector Sawant added that the family's decision was made without considering the legal implications of child marriage.
Police Action and Evidence Collection
Sub Inspector Balasaheb Zarekar of the Baner police explained the sequence of events leading to the rescue. Someone alerted the police control room, prompting officers to visit the marriage pandal and verify the girl's age. They collected photographs taken by the photographer as evidence and recorded statements from the priest and other attendees. The bridegroom was aware that the girl was a minor, yet he gave his consent for the wedding. The police have initiated legal proceedings against all accused individuals under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006.
This incident highlights the ongoing issue of child marriage in certain communities, despite legal prohibitions. The police's timely action prevented a potential violation of the girl's rights and ensured her protection. Authorities continue to investigate the matter and urge the public to report any such incidents to help eradicate child marriage.
