Thane, February 26: Authorities in Thane district, Maharashtra, successfully intervened to stop the marriage of a 16-year-old girl following an anonymous tip-off received by the Child Welfare Department in Pune. The wedding, scheduled in the Ulhasnagar area on Monday, was halted just in time by officials.
The minor girl was set to be married to a 24-year-old man from Solapur. Acting swiftly on the alert, child welfare committee officials arrived at the venue, where family members and guests had gathered for the ceremony.
Thane district child welfare officer Ramkrishna Reddy stated that upon questioning the family, it was revealed that the girl's father was critically ill, prompting them to arrange the marriage at the earliest.
Following the intervention, authorities registered a case under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act against the groom, the parents of both the girl and the groom, the officiating priest, and other individuals involved in organizing the ceremony.
The minor has since been placed in a remand home, ensuring her protection as further legal proceedings occur.
