In a remarkable display of vigilance, residents of a village in Bihar’s Purnia district successfully foiled an impending child marriage, rescuing a 10-year-old girl from a harrowing fate. The girl, who belonged to the village, was on the verge of being wedded against her will to, a 17-year-old boy who had been brought from Uttar Pradesh by her own brother-in-law.
Shockingly, the cost to terminate her childhood and force her into marriage had been set at mere Rs. 5000. All arrangements had been made, and the wedding was moments away from being solemnized.
However, thanks to the unwavering determination of the villagers, the Kailash Satyarthi Children’s Foundation (KSCF) team, local police, and child line authorities swiftly intervened. Acting promptly upon receiving the distress call, the collective effort halted the illegal marriage. The young girl was immediately provided refuge in a shelter home, ensuring her safety and protection.
This commendable act by the villagers unveiled a disturbing truth—her brother-in-law, a resident of Uttar Pradesh, had orchestrated the marriage. The villagers, appalled by this unjust act, united against it and promptly reported the matter to the KSCF’s Purnia team, as well as the police and child line helpline. These combined efforts effectively put an end to the heinous act and ensured the young girl’s well-being.