In a disturbing incident in Krishnagiri, a 14-year-old girl was married to a 25-year-old man, with the involvement of her parents and in-laws. The case came to light when teachers at a government school noticed the girl wearing a thaali (mangalsutra) and alerted the social welfare department.
Sources from the social welfare department revealed that the girl was married to the man, a carpenter from near Kaveripattinam, in the early hours of the day at a temple near Bolupalli. Despite the marriage, she attended school as usual, wearing her uniform with the thaali. Upon inquiry, she confided in her friends that she had recently gotten married, revealing that the ceremony was held in darkness at the temple.
The teachers immediately reported the matter to the child protection department, which informed the social welfare department. A team from both departments conducted inquiries with the girl and her teachers. Following the investigation, a formal complaint was lodged at Krishnagiri All Women’s Police Station on Monday night. The girl’s parents, the groom, and his family were booked under various provisions of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act.
No arrests were made as of Tuesday evening. Authorities from the social welfare department plan to hold awareness programs in the girl’s school and nearby villages to educate people on the dangers and legal implications of child marriage.
For child-related complaints, the helpline number 1098 can be contacted, and women in distress can reach out to 181.
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