Police on Sunday arrested Kalaiselvi, 40, of Tiruchengode on charges of getting her minor daughter married to a man in Salem district.
Based on a tip-off, officials from Leaf Society Childline 1098 visited the Class XI girl’s school in Tiruchengode. Inquiries revealed that the girl was married to Balu, 26, of Attur on February 22. The 16-year-old girl continued to attend the school after the wedding.
On Saturday, a team of officials comprising village administrative officer Venugopal, District Child Protection Unit protection officer Uma Maheswari, Special Sub-Inspector of Anti Human Trafficking Wing Tamilselvi and G. Ramalakshmi and P. Gomathi from Leaf Society Childline 1098 inspected the girl’s home.
Inquiries with the girl and her mother confirmed the marriage. Based on a complaint, the police registered a case under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 and arrested Kalaiselvi. She was produced at court and lodged in prison. Police is on the lookout for Balu.
Officials said that a medical test would be conducted for the girl and she would be produced before the Child Welfare Committee on Tuesday.
Marriage stopped
In another incident, the marriage of a 17-year-old girl with a 25-year-old man that was scheduled for March 2 was stopped in Paramathi Velur here on Sunday. The first year B.A. English literature student was to be married to an employee of a construction company. Written statement was obtained from the girl’s parents that they would not perform the marriage until she completes 18 years of age.
The accused got her 16-year-old duaghetr married to a
26-year-old man