Did Police Stop Parents from Marrying Off Their Minor Daughter?
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Synopsis
In a shocking attempt to marry off their minor daughter, parents in Balurghat were caught by local authorities. This incident raises serious questions about child marriage practices in the region and highlights the importance of vigilance against such illegal activities.
Key Takeaways
- Police intervention prevents a minor marriage.
- Parents attempted to disguise the situation.
- Community vigilance played a key role.
- Legal authorities were involved in the rescue.
- Child marriage remains a critical issue.
Kolkata, Dec 7 (NationPress) The local police intervened to prevent a couple from marrying their underage daughter in Balurghat, located in South Dinajpur district of West Bengal, as reported by officials on Sunday.
Officials stated that on Saturday, the parents attempted to disguise their elder daughter as the bride when in actuality, they aimed to marry off their younger daughter, who is still a minor.
A senior officer from the South Dinajpur police indicated that such an attempt to marry off a minor girl is quite rare in the area. Upon learning about the situation, the police initially conducted a raid but left the premises without any substantial findings. At that moment, the girl presented as the bride was actually an adult, the family's eldest daughter.
"However, upon a second investigation, officers uncovered the family's deceit as they had dressed the elder daughter to mislead the authorities. The parents of the minor were apprehended in the act. The 17-year-old girl, who is currently in Class 11, was rescued," the police officer reported today.
This incident unfolded in ward number 25 of Balurghat Municipality, where a marriage for the 17-year-old was arranged with a local young man. She attends a nearby school. In response to the reports of this illegal marriage, the District Legal Services Authority, local police, and volunteers promptly arrived at the residence.
Initially, the family presented the eldest daughter as the bride, leading the team to retreat. However, fresh information indicated that it was indeed a minor girl being married off.
"A subsequent raid was executed at the residence during the night. This time, the marriage of the minor girl was halted after the parents were caught in the act. The girl was successfully rescued and placed in a safe home in Malda district while the family received a stern warning," the police stated.
Point of View
We at NationPress stand firmly against any form of child exploitation, including child marriage. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced in safeguarding minors. We advocate for stricter enforcement of laws and community awareness programs to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
NationPress
07/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in Balurghat?
Local police intervened to stop parents from marrying their minor daughter, uncovering a plan to disguise the elder daughter as the bride.
How did the police become aware of the situation?
Authorities received a tip-off about the planned child marriage, prompting a raid on the family's residence.
What actions were taken against the parents?
The parents were caught attempting to deceive the police and were subsequently warned after their minor daughter was rescued.
What are the legal implications of child marriage in India?
Child marriage is illegal in India, and violators can face severe penalties under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act.
How can communities prevent child marriage?
Raising awareness, community vigilance, and stronger enforcement of existing laws are crucial in preventing child marriages.
