With a child marriage being reported from the district, the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) here on Monday directed the police to rescue the minor girl and produce her before it. Idukki CWC chairperson Jayaseelan Paul said that Munnar Childline received a complaint last week that a child marriage had taken place in Edamalakkudy, a remote tribal village in the district.
Following the complaint, the CWC sought a report regarding the same from the Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) of the area. The CDPO's report, placed before the committee, said the marriage took place a month ago between a 15-year-old girl and a 47-year-old man, both belonging to the Muthuvan tribe.
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The wedding took place with the knowledge and consent of the girl's parents -- her mother and stepfather -- and she was living with the 47-year-old man, according to the report. "Based on that, the CWC directed Munnar police to rescue the girl and produce her before the committee after carrying out the necessary legal procedures like her medical check-up, recording her statement under Section 164 CrPC and lodging a case under the relevant provisions of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012," Jayaseelan told PTI. Further action would be taken after that, he said.
