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Time of India
10 hours ago
- Time of India
Fourth child marriage stalled: Kamptee hotbed of underage marital unions
Nagpur: The women and child development department thwarted a child marriage involving a 16-year-old girl at Kamptee on Wednesday, marking the fourth such intervention in the area within two months. Kamptee has emerged as a troubling hotspot for underage marriages, prompting heightened vigilance and stricter enforcement of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006. This incident is the 14th child marriage stopped in Nagpur district this year, with eight cases reported in the city alone. Over the past two years, six FIRs have been filed against parents, relatives, and organisers for facilitating such unions. Acting on a tip-off, police inspector Mahesh Andhale of New Kamptee police station alerted district child protection officer (DCPO) Mustak Pathan. A swift response team, led by district women and child development officer Ranjit Kure, raided the wedding venue in collaboration with Kamptee police. The minor bride, adorned with turmeric and en route to the ceremony, was rescued before the illegal marriage with a 20-year-old youth could proceed. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 3 to 5 BHK Premium Apartments starting at ₹3.22Cr+ Goodwill Wisteria Learn More Undo The authorities secured a written undertaking from those involved, and the girl, a school dropout, was presented before the Child Welfare Committee and admitted to a children's home for her safety. DCPO Mustak Pathan stressed the urgency of stricter oversight, urging marriage halls to verify the age of brides and grooms using Aadhaar cards or school leaving certificates. "Marriage halls failing to comply will face legal action," he warned. The surge in child marriage complaints in Kamptee has alarmed authorities, who attribute the issue to socio-economic challenges, lack of education, and entrenched societal stigmas, particularly in lower-income communities. "Girls are often seen as a burden, leading to early marriages," Pathan noted, highlighting the need for systemic change. To curb this trend, Andhale announced that notices will be issued to marriage halls, decorators, caterers, and officiants, mandating age verification through official documents. A meeting under Kamptee police station's jurisdiction will further reinforce these measures. Public awareness campaigns are also in the pipeline to educate communities and protect minor girls. The operation involved protection officers Sadhana Hatwar, Dipti Motghare, Rukmini Jangalwar, and NGO worker Vaishnavi Bawne. Pathan reiterated the legal consequences under the Child Marriage Act, which includes up to two years in prison, a fine of Rs1 lakh, or both. With 13 interventions this year, Nagpur district authorities remain steadfast in their commitment to eradicating child marriage. Citizens are urged to report suspicious activities to safeguard the rights and safety of minors, as Kamptee's proactive measures set a precedent for broader action.
Time of India
02-05-2025
- Time of India
Coach marries, sexually abuses Class XII student, arrested
Trichy: A volleyball coach was arrested under the Pocso and Child Marriage Act for marrying and sexually abusing a Class XII student. The accused was already married twice. According to police, M Mohamed Kalil Rahuman, 36, from Thopputhurai near Vedaranyam in Nagapattinam district, has been working as a temporary coach at a govt-aided school, where he met the student. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now According to police, Rahuman assured the survivor that he would assist her in getting selected for the state volleyball team, and developed a relationship with her. "The accused started taking the student on tours to various districts on the pretext of coaching. He married her and sexually assaulted her multiple times," said an investigating officer. The girl's parents are working as daily wagers. Realizing that Rahuman was taking out the girl for tours too often, they stopped sending her. "Rahuman called Childline and complained that the parents had confined the girl and not sending her to practices. When our team went to inquire, we found out the girl was abused," an official from Tiruvarur district child protection office said. Based on the complaint from DCPO staff, a case was registered at all woman police station in Thiruthuraipoondi under sections 5 and 6 under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act and the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act. Rahuman was arrested on Thursday. "The accused was married at least twice and had children before marrying the victim," a police official added. Rahuman was produced at the special court for Pocso cases in Tiruvarur. He was remanded in judicial custody at Nagapattinam district jail.
New Indian Express
02-05-2025
- New Indian Express
Suspend government school staff in four days of Pocso complaint: TN SOP
CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu School Education Department in a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has mandated that headmasters, teachers, or any government school staff accused of sexual harassment or assault against students must be suspended within four days of a complaint being reported, based on a preliminary inquiry by the District Child Protection Officer (DCPO). This will take place in parallel to the police probe under the Pocso Act. The SOP, which does not cover staff of private schools, outlines timelines for each stage of the disciplinary process and requires the action to be completed within approximately three months. It says action will be initiated against the disciplinary authorities if the timeline is not adhered to. The SOP comes after School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi's assurance that those involved in sexual violence against students will face not only criminal prosecution but also departmental action. Activists call for child protection policy, say SOP a knee-jerk reaction Until now, suspensions and other disciplinary measures were initiated following internal probes by department authorities. Going forward, the initial suspension will be based on the report of District Child Protection Officers (DCPO), who fall under the Social Welfare Department. Under the newly issued SOP any teacher, staff member or student who suspects or becomes aware of a sexual offence under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act must immediately inform the Special Juvenile Police Unit or the local police. The headmaster is also required to ensure the same-day reporting of the complaint to the Chief Educational Officer (CEO) and DCPO.
