DCW stops marriage of 16-year-old girl

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, May 17

An anonymous caller helped the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) and the police to stop the marriage of a 16-year-old girl in Sangam Vihar area of the capital.

After a call was received on the 181 woman helpline from a PCO booth in Sangam Vihar, the Commission’s Mobile Helpline (MHL) counsellor reached the house with the local police.

“They found that preparations were in full swing for the marriage, guests were at her place and she had mehendi on her hand. The family of the minor, a student of class 11, told our team that they were getting the girl engaged and not married,” said a DCW official.

However, the neighbours informed that the girl was to be married the next day and the guests had already arrived at her place adding that one of the functions had already taken place.

“The family informed that girl’s mother had kidney dysfunction and she wanted to get her daughter married as soon as possible. The police are investigating the matter,” said the official.

DCW Chairperson Swati Jaihind said that child marriage is not only a grave offence but also a blot on society. 

She appealed to people to spread awareness about the DCW’s helpline 181 so that women facing harassment or in distress can be helped.