Kasaragod (Kerala), Apr 25 (PTI) A case has been registered against the organisers of an alleged child marriage in this district, police said on Saturday.
Four persons, including the father of a 16-year-old girl, Padna panchayat member P K Thajuddin, a cleric of Azhikkal Juma Masjid, and Sabir (28), who allegedly married the girl, have been booked by Chandera police station, they added.
Police said the case was registered after the Child Marriage Prohibition Officer received a complaint that the minor girl from Valiyaparamba had been married off to Sabir, solemnised at the mosque on April 13. After the wedding, Sabir later left for South Korea, where he is employed, police said.
The Child Marriage Prohibition Officer subsequently filed a report in a magistrate’s court, which directed police to register a case and conduct an investigation.
Officials said Thajuddin was made an accused as he allegedly took the initiative to solemnise the marriage in his capacity as secretary of the mosque.
Police noted that he also heads a committee formed at the panchayat level to prevent child marriages.
The girl’s parents and the other accused have denied that any such marriage took place, police said.
As part of the investigation, statements from persons suspected of having witnessed the ceremony will be recorded, and CCTV footage from the mosque will be examined.
The accused will be summoned soon for detailed questioning, police added. PTI TBA TBA ADB
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