A 13-year-old girl was forced by her family member to get married to a 22-year-old man after her elder sister eloped with her boyfriend before the wedding. This incident happened in Unnao district of Uttar Pradesh. The marriage was actually fixed for her elder sister, who is 20 years old. But she refused to marry him and went away with her boyfriend just a few days back from the wedding. After some days she came back again. But the groom who is currently working in Ludhiana refused to marry her elder sister.
Hence, the family members who think it is a shame insist her sister who is studying 8th marry the man. Social Activist Raj Kumari who heard the news made a complaint about the incident happening in the village to the Child Welfare Committee. After getting a complaint, the Child Welfare Committee Chairperson Preeti Singh came to know about the matter along with the police crew and rushed to the place for further investigation.
Initially, the crew visited the family members, the wedding function was also organized and they told the authorities that the marriage was for the elder one. Hence all the authorities returned. But On December 13, Once again the CWC visited the house, and all the members pretended that the marriage was for an older girl. But actually, it is not, Singh added. On December 19, 2023, police caught 111 people including the groom, family members, and the priest. As of now, no one has been arrested but the investigation has been going on. After collecting an affidavit, they sent the girl to their parents. Also, her parents assured her they wouldn’t stop her education and marry another person without permissible age.
Even though all are working towards a healthy society, some people do not understand the power of education for girls. According to the United Nations Population Fund, more the 650 million girls alive are married before 18 years. Nineteen percent of women between 20- 24 around the world were child brides. According to the Child Protection Act, the permissible age of marriage for boys is 21 and for a girl, it is 18. If any person violates this, then a severe punishment of hard imprisonment or fine will be given.