Ranga Reddy: In a swift rescue operation, authorities in Telangana’s Ranga Reddy district saved a 13-year-old Class 8 student from an illegal child marriage after she confided in her school principal. The principal promptly alerted the police and child protection officials, leading to immediate action.
Marriage conducted at local temple
The incident occurred in Nandigama mandal, where Sravanthi, the girl’s mother from Kandivada village in Chevella mandal, married off her daughter to a 40-year-old man, Srinivas Goud, on May 28. The wedding reportedly took place at a local temple with the help of a mediator and a priest.
Following the marriage, the girl was forced to live with her in-laws. It was then that she revealed the details to her school principal, who wasted no time in contacting authorities.
Police and child welfare teams step in
Officials from the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), the police, and child protection authorities intervened promptly. The girl was rescued and shifted to the Sakhi Centre for counselling and rehabilitation.
Inspector Prasad, who is leading the investigation, stated that all five individuals involved—the mother, groom, mediator, priest, and the woman believed to be the groom’s wife—were taken into custody and charged under the Prevention of Child Marriage Act.
Legal implications and ongoing investigation
Child marriage is illegal in India under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, with the legal age of marriage set at 21 for men and 18 for women. Additionally, sexual relations with minors fall under the stringent provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Authorities have confirmed that counselling and rehabilitation will be provided to the rescued girl, while the investigation into the incident continues.