Police made entry amidst pomp and show of wedding; When bride lifted her veil, she lost her senses; Then two things happened…

A case has come to light from Kichha in Uttarakhand which has raised a big question on the 21st century society. While daughters are earning name in every field today, some people are still considering them as a burden and are bent on tying them in marriage in childhood itself.

In village Anjaniya, a 15-year-old girl was being married to a 27-year-old youth almost twice her age. But the entry of police and a voluntary organization at the last moment spoiled the whole game. As soon as the veil was lifted and the truth came out, the ground slipped under the feet of the people present there.

Has your thinking not changed even today?

Once upon a time, early marriage was common in the society, but even after the law was made, the incidents of child marriage are not stopping. Lack of education and social pressure even today forces many families to take such decisions.

Something similar happened in Kichha also, where preparations for the marriage of a minor girl were made with full pomp. Shehnai was playing, the wedding procession was ready and preparations were on to introduce the innocent girl to a 27 year old youth from Haryana.

How did the police get wind of this?

On Monday night, the voluntary organization Institute of Social Development (ISD) received information that a minor was getting married in village Anjaniya. As soon as the information was received, ISD Project Director Binduvasini reached the spot with the police team. The atmosphere there was completely wedding like. Even the band, guests and videography were going on. But when the team asked for the girl’s Aadhar card, the family members could not show any document.

How did the school records reveal the truth?

After the family’s reluctance, the administration searched the school documents. In the junior high school records, the girl’s age was recorded as 15 years and 11 months. This was the evidence that revealed the truth of the entire matter. After this, the administration took strict action and sent back the wedding procession and took the girl into safe custody.

What action was taken next?

ISD President Dr. Amit Kumar Srivastava said that the minor has been admitted to the One Stop Centre. The family members of both the parties have been presented before the Child Welfare Committee for counselling. Director Binduvasini told that the wedding preparations were done with full pomp and the entire program was videographed. Clear instructions have been given to the band players and caterers present on the spot to confirm that the bride and groom are adults before taking the contract for any matrimonial work.

Why is child marriage not stopping?

The law is strict, there is a provision for punishment, yet lack of education and social pressure often gives rise to such incidents. This case once again reminds us that awareness and education are the only permanent solution to this problem.