Mandap Ready, Groom’s Baraat Arrives, But Abhayam Rescues 11-Year-Old Bride From Child Marriage In Narol
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Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
The wedding procession had arrived, the mandap was ready and the rituals were about to begin when an alert citizen’s phone call stopped an illegal marriage involving an 11-year-old girl in Ahmedabad’s Narol area.
The prospective groom was also a minor, aged 17. A joint team of the 181 Abhayam women’s helpline and child protection authorities intervened at the venue and rescued the girl before the marriage could take place.
During the initial inquiry, the girl’s parents allegedly claimed that she was an adult. However, verification of identity documents established that she was only 11, while the boy was 17.
The intervention also uncovered a disturbing detail: three of the girl’s elder sisters had allegedly been married while they were still minors.
Marriage Stopped After Age Verification
Following the alert, the 181 Abhayam team reached the wedding venue and began questioning the family.
When identity documents were sought, the girl’s actual age was established. Since both the girl and the proposed groom were minors, the team stopped the marriage and warned the parents of legal action under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006.
For the girl’s safety, she was taken to the local police station. Guardians from both sides were also directed to appear there.
The Child Marriage Prohibition Officer, District Social Security Officer’s team, District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), 181 Abhayam and Child Helpline teams jointly counselled the guardians.
The girl’s statement was recorded before she was safely sent to the Children Home for Girls.
Following counselling, her parents reportedly acknowledged their mistake and gave an undertaking that they would not arrange her marriage until she reaches adulthood.
Three Elder Sisters Also Married As Minors
A subsequent inquiry revealed that the family had allegedly already married off three elder daughters while they were minors.
According to the source, all three daughters are still minors in the eyes of the law despite having already been married. The family was now preparing to marry off the fourth daughter, who is only 11 years old.
During questioning, the parents reportedly said that early marriage was a tradition in their community and that they were following the practice.
The joint team, however, made it clear that social customs or traditions cannot override the law.
Under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, arranging a marriage involving a minor is a serious and non-bailable offence.
