Timely intervention by the police saved a young girl who was about to marry a person with HIV in Devadhanapatti, near Periyakulam, on Monday morning.
Acting on information, at about 11 p.m. on Sunday, Theni Deputy Superintendent of Police G. Iyyanar and Devadhanapatti Inspector Muthu Kumar alerted the bride’s parents first about the likely health condition of the bridegroom. Subsequently, they approached the parents of the groom also, who were extremely critical of the police officials’ action.
The officials politely but firmly pointed out to them that what was at stake was the future of the young girl, which they wanted the groom’s parents to keep in mind.
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The DSP suggested that the groom take a test. If the result was found to be negative, the marriage could take place as scheduled.
They took him to a private laboratory in Periyakulam town. The test confirmed that the boy was infected with HIV. By 2 a.m. on Monday, the families of the bride and the groom decided to cancel the marriage.
All banners put up at the marriage hall were torn off.
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When contacted, Mr. Iyyanar said that the bride’s affluent family had arranged the marriage without knowing the condition of the groom, who was also a native of Devadhanapatti.
He added that it was Dharmapuri Superintendent of Police Asra Garg who tipped off the Theni police.