Daijiworld Media Network- Haryana

Haryana, May 22: Five individuals, including two women, have been booked by the police under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for allegedly orchestrating the marriage of a 17-year-old girl.

The victim, a resident of Yamunanagar, reported to the police that after a disagreement with her father, she sought refuge with a known woman in Pehowa. Within days, the woman allegedly coerced her into having physical relations with two men before arranging her marriage to a Karnal resident.

The girl stated, "I was married without my consent and forcefully sent with them. He also consummated the marriage. When I learned about my mother's poor health, I asked my husband to take me to her, but he refused. I managed to escape, but they apprehended me near Taraori."

It is alleged that the girl's aunt received Rs 2.5 lakh from the groom's family for the marriage. Based on the girl's complaint, a case has been registered at the City Pehowa police station against the five accused.

SHO Jan Pal Singh stated, "The girl claims she was forced into physical relations. She was married to a Karnal resident, and initial information suggested her parents were deceased. However, upon discovering her parents were alive, they returned her to the accused woman's house in Pehowa. Subsequently, her real aunt in Pehowa learned of the incident and, along with the minor's parents, approached us. A case has been registered, and the accused are currently absconding but will be arrested soon."