11 hours ago
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.
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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.
