SILCHAR: Assam police arrested a Kazi (marriage registrar) and seven others for allegedly officiating a child marriage in Karimganj district.
The arrests were made following a tip-off about a marriage function being held in Kabariband village under Patharkandi police station in Assam on May 20 evening.
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Assam police officials informed that that by the time the police reached the location, the marriage had already been officiated.
However, the police arrested the accused and rescued the girl.
According to media reports, the groom, approximately 18 years old, claimed to have been in a long-term relationship with the minor girl and that their marriage had the blessings of both families.
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Upon checking the birth certificate of the girl, a Class nine student, it was confirmed that she was 17 years old, although she appeared much younger.
The arrested individuals include the groom, Bilal Uddin; his father, Zahraul Islam; the girl’s father, Shabbir Uddin; the Kazi; and several other family members. A case has been registered under various sections of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act at Patharkandi police station in Assam.
All eight accused have been remanded to judicial custody.
It may be mentioned here that in an effort to curb child marriage, the Assam government launched a two-phase drive against the practice last year, leading to numerous arrests and case registrations.