A police investigation has been launched into a suspected child marriage in Thrikkaripur, Kasaragod, as directed by the court. The case involves four individuals, including the groom and a local elected representative, who have been charged under relevant laws. The incident reportedly took place on April 13 at a local Juma Masjid in Kasaragod district, where a 16-year-old girl was allegedly married to a 28-year-old expatriate.
Those implicated in the case include the groom, a 28-year-old native of Padanna working in South Korea, the girl’s father who is said to have conducted the ceremony, a local body member, and the mosque’s secretary. The Chandera Police have registered the case based on a report by the Child Marriage Prohibition Officer, who found initial evidence of the alleged child marriage. Further investigations are currently ongoing.
Following information received by Childline, an inquiry was initiated, leading to the court directing the police to take legal action. Despite claims by the girl and groom’s relatives that it was an engagement ceremony and not a marriage, the police are gathering documentary and digital evidence, including event visuals, to ascertain the nature of the ceremony.
Another individual has lodged a complaint with the Chief Secretary, urging a thorough investigation by a higher-level police team. The groom is believed to have returned to South Korea, but authorities have assured that appropriate action will be taken within the bounds of the law. It is emphasized that child marriage is a punishable offense in India, and the investigation aims to establish the truth based on concrete evidence.
This incident coincides with a legal dispute between the Kerala and Madhya Pradesh governments over the marriage of the viral ‘Kumbh Mela girl’. While Kerala Police assert the legality of the marriage, stating the girl was of legal age at the time, Madhya Pradesh Police and the girl’s family claim she is a minor.
