Kota: Two Class 12 minor girls from Bundi district Friday sought intervention from local authorities to halt their forced marriages scheduled for Feb 10. Police and the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) have initiated action to prevent the child marriages and ensure the girls’ safety. The first case unfolded when a 17-year-old girl approached Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Rajesh Tailer Friday, urgently requesting assistance to prevent her marriage. Swift action was taken, leading to the issuance of a prohibitory order aimed at halting the marriage until the girl reaches the legal age of 18. DSP Tailer summoned the girl’s parents and relatives to educate them about the legal repercussions of child marriage and its long-term negative effects on the young girl’s future. Seema Poddar, chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) in Bundi, confirmed that measures were in place to ensure the minor’s protection, including arrangements for her stay at a govt shelter home. In the second case, a 16-year-old girl who is studying through an open schooling system alerted the CWC about her planned marriage to a 20-year-old man from Bhilwara district. Despite the scheduled wedding date of Feb 10, her parents allegedly attempted to expedite the marriage to Feb 9 after she informed the authorities. With the collaborative efforts of the CWC, Childline, and local police, the girl was located and taken into protective custody. She is currently placed in a safe environment until the marriage date. Recognising the academic pressure on both students with exams approaching, Poddar said that the CWC will communicate with relevant authorities to facilitate a potential change in their examination centers, ensuring they can sit for their tests without additional stress.
