Girl child marriage prevented in Baleswar

Marriage of an underage girl has been stalled in Bhograi following timely intervention of the local CDPO when preparations for tying the nuptial knot were underway in the famous Bhusundeswar Shiva temple.

The marriage was to be solemnised between Biswanath Dalai (28) of Raipur of Bhograi block and the minor girl of Jamkunda under Baliapal block.  

CDPO Subasi Mundu said, “As soon as it came to our knowledge that the bride is a minor, we immediately rushed to the temple and asked for Aadhaar cards for both bridegroom and bride.” The bridegroom was with his Aadhaar card showing his age 28. The bride’s parents couldn’t show her card.

“The bride mother confessed that her daughter was around 16-17 years. The girl refused to tie knot to the groom. Both the families gave a written statement that they wouldn’t hold this marriage,” Mundu said.

Child marriage is a punishable offence as per the Child Marriage Prohibition Act, 2006, which prescribes punishment of rigorous imprisonment for two years and or fine extending up to Rs one lakh.