Guwahati: At least two persons were arrested in connection with a case of child marriage in Barpeta district of Assam on Thursday evening.
According to reports, a minor was about to get married to a youth in Baghmara Char area of the district.
Reportedly, after receiving information, the police raided the venue of the marriage and arrested the bridegroom and his father. Both have been charged under sections of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006.
The suspects have been identified as Hussain Ali (the bridegroom’s father), and Saibur Badshah.
According to the police, they conducted a raid after receiving a complaint from the Village Defense Party (VDP).
“Members of VDP informed us about the marriage and based on that information, we immediately raided the area and rescued the minor girl and apprehended the bridegroom and his father. We have produced them before the court and sent them to jail. A case has been registered in connection with it”, the police officials added.
Reportedly, it should be highlighted that despite the severe restrictions implemented by the state government and police administration, the number of child marriage cases in Assam is increasing.
According to the State’s Social Welfare Department, from the 2016–17 fiscal year to the 2020–21 fiscal year, 3,192 child marriages were reported.
According to the data, there were 74 child marriages in 2016-17, 448 in 2017-18 and 756 in 2018-19.