Udupi: A shocking case of child marriage and exploitation has come to light in Kapu, where a minor girl was forced into marriage and gave birth to a child. The victim, Chandani Katoon, a native of Bihar, has filed a complaint against her husband, Iniyaz Devan, and her parents, Mohammad Tayyab Rain and Zulekha Khatoon, who arranged the marriage.
Chandani was just 16 years old when she was married off to Iniyaz on June 12, 2022. She became pregnant and gave birth to a baby girl on April 4, 2023. The couple, along with their child, later moved to Udyavara and lived in a rented house, where Chandani became pregnant again.
When Chandani was admitted to a hospital in Mangalore for the treatment of stomach pain on July 13, it was discovered that she had been married at an underage. The hospital authorities informed the police, who registered a case under the POCSO Act against the accused.
The Kapu police are currently investigating the case and have filed charges against Iniyaz Devan, Mohammad Tayyab Rain, and Zulekha Khatoon. The incident highlights the need for stricter enforcement of laws against child marriage and exploitation.