Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma informed that there have already been 2,789 arrests related to child marriage cases in the state.
The Assam CM, who has been updating on the data daily on social media, informed that the number of arrests regarding violations to child marriage laws across the state had risen from 2,666 yesterday. There were 123 more arrests as a result.
Taking to Twitter, CM Sarma wrote, “Now total arrest – 2789. Crackdown continues.”
It should be recalled that CM Sarma stated yesterday that 2,666 arrests have been made in the case across Assam to date. This has risen from 2,441 arrests as of February 6.
The Assam CM took to Twitter to inform about the arrest count. He wrote, “Our crackdown against child marriage continues with 2,666 arrests made so far.”
“The drive against this social evil will continue. We seek the support of the people of Assam in our fight against this social crime,” he further wrote.
This occurs when the seventh day of the Assam Police’s widespread investigation into child marriage cases starts. Following the chief minister’s explicit commands, the police have taken action including making arrests of people involved in underage marriages.
As of Sunday, February 5, the total number of arrests stood at 2,278 across Assam. According to the data shared by Assam police, 139 persons were arrested in Biswanath, 130 in Barpeta, 126 in Dhubri, 123 in Baksa, 117 in Bongaigaon, 101 in Nagaon, 94 in Kokrajhar, 85 in Kamrup, 84 each in Goalpara and Udalguri district.
The manhunt was started on February 3 following orders from the Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to end child marriage and apprehend suspects.
The Assam chief minister has said that the campaign against child marriage will go on till the 2026 state assembly elections.
4,074 cases of child marriage in all were reported to the police. The CM had ordered the police to conduct an investigation because of information he had received concerning the prevalence of child marriage in the state.