Udupi: Minor Girl Seeks Protection from Husband
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (SP)
Udupi, Apr 6: Annapoorna, resident of J C Nagar in Bangalore, pleaded for protection at a press conference held here on Tuesday April 5. She said she had been married off against her wishes when she was 16, and that she had run away from husband, unable to bear his harassment.
“I am now aged seventeen and half years. I used to live with my parents at J C Nagar Bangalore. I started from Bangalore on March 28 after writing pre university examination. When I was 16, I was forced to marry my mother’s younger brother. My husband tortures me regularly. I had complained to High Ground police station in Bangalore and office of the police commissioner there about the harassment and torture. Being unable to take it any more, I left home and arrived in Dharmasthala. I had also decided to commit suicide at Kundapur, but a person there asked me to meet Radha Das, vice president of the union of Mahila Mandals. Radha Das provided me succour. I will not return to Bangalore at any cost. My husband has given money to my mother and hence, she does not support me. I am afraid to return. I will either die, or live independently. I request you to extend help to me,” she requested.
Radha Das said that she is trying to convey information about the girl to her parents and husband through the media. She also said that information about the situation she is in, and complaint about harassment will also be sent to the superintendent of police, deputy commissioner and women and child welfare department. She felt that the girl is in need of protection at present.