Raj Sadosh/Sriganganagar/Abohar.
The marriage of a 16-year-old girl with an 18-year-old boy was prevented by timely action taken by the authorities near Hindumalkot.
The Child Helpline was informed that a child is being married by the people of a community in village 3-C of Hindumalkot.
Under instructions from District Collector Dr. Manju, Child Welfare Committee President Joginder Kaushik, member Vandana Gaur, Vipin Sankhla, Child Helpline Coordinator Trilok Verma, Police Station incharge Ami Lal and others reached the wedding venue with a female soldier.
As the team asked to stop illegal marriage, the procession was ready to go to Khat Lubana. Wedding songs were being sung, guests and relatives expressing joy. Some people were dancing to DJ music.
On being asked whether the bridegroom was 21 years of age, the boy's parents presented his Aadhaar card and 8th grade marks sheet, in which his date of birth was found to be April 30, 2007, he was not eligible for the marriage at present. The bride was found to be 16 years and 4 months old.
The administration has bound the girl's parents and relatives for not getting her married till the completion of 18 years of age. Anganwadi workers and cops have been directed to inform the child welfare committee and Child Helpline if any violation is attempted. The team taught the law to both the families, their guests, tent house staff and cooks. As the proceedings were going on, the photographer managed to escape.