Child marriage: Childline averts one more case

Kandhamal: Childline officials successfully thwarted a family's attempt to marry off their 16-year old minor daughter at Gadasahi under Phiringia police limits of Kandhamal district on Monday.

According to reports, the minor girl was engaged to a 22-year-old man of K Nuagaon block in the district by her parents. After the engagement on Monday, the marriage was scheduled in the evening.

Acting on a tip-off, administrative officials reached the house of bride and prevented the parents from marrying off their daughter after verifying the age.

The minor bride was handed over to District Child Protection Unit (DCPU).

“The rescued girl will remain in our custody now. Later, a decision will be taken whether she would be handed over to her family.” District Child Protection Officer Ramakant Sahu said.