A distressing incident of child marriage has been uncovered in Pune, known for its modernity and educational prominence. The marriage of a minor girl was reportedly forced in Balewadi, an affluent area of the city. Police have taken a firm stance by filing a case against 35 people, including the groom, his parents, and the girl’s relatives.
The marriage occurred on Sunday in Balewadi, with the victim being a 15-year-old girl. Shockingly, both families were aware that the girl was underage for marriage, yet they proceeded with the ceremony, disregarding legal and social obligations. Upon receiving information about the illicit marriage, the local police initiated an investigation, confirming the intentional nature of the offense.
Authorities at the Baner police station have acted decisively in response to the incident. Charges have been pressed against the 22-year-old groom, his family, and attendees from both sides under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006. Senior Police Inspector Anil Vibhute emphasized the gravity of the situation, highlighting the ongoing investigation and the legal actions taken against the individuals involved.
In a statement, Officer Vibhute expressed dismay over the persistence of such social malpractices in 2026. He reiterated the commitment to combat child marriages and emphasized that all individuals associated with such acts will face legal consequences. Child marriage, defined by law as a union involving individuals below specified ages, perpetuates societal issues and is considered a serious offense under Indian legislation.
