Hyderabad: The minor girl who was married to a 40-year-old person was rescued by the district child welfare department on Monday.
District welfare officer B. Padmaja Ramana said, “We have rescued the girl. We have filed the case against Devaruppula sub-inspector Narender Reddy who failed to prevent the marriage between the minor and Ashok. The marriage stands suspended and we are trying to collect the evidence against all the accused.” Ashok, a farmer, is already married.
Despite being alerted, officials had failed to stop the marriage of th minor in Jangaon district.
Child rights activist Achyuta Rao said, “We demand stringent action against the SI. He should be made co-accused. Despite being a ‘child marriage prohibition officer’, he supported the child marriage and helped the accused.”
If the marriage is consummated, the accused could face a charge of rape for which the maximum punishment is life in prison. Those who performed the wedding and supported it will be tried under the Child Marriage Prohibition Act. The husband can face rigorous imprisonment for two years and fine up to Rs 1 lakh.
