NGO, cops avert child marriage at Delhi temple

The police said on Monday that a board member of the newly opened Khatu Shyam Mandir in Rama Vihar grew suspicious and contacted an NGO

New Delhi

Police said an FIR was lodged under sections of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act. (Representative photo)

A 15-year-old girl was rescued from a temple in Rohini, where she was allegedly being forced to marry a 25-year-old man, and an FIR was registered against both families for child marriage, police said on Wednesday.

The police said on Monday that a board member of the newly opened Khatu Shyam Mandir in Rama Vihar grew suspicious and contacted an NGO, Bal Vikas Dhara, which contacted the district child protection unit and approached the police.

“The complainant claimed that the bride and groom’s family members were concealing the bride’s age and failing to provide proof. Her parents gave inconsistent answers and tried the pass off the wedding as an engagement ceremony. The subdivisional magistrate (SDM), Kanjhawala, ordered the bride be moved to a rescue foundation in Kanjhawala,” said Vishnu Kumar, additional deputy commissioner of police (Rohini).

Police said an FIR was lodged under sections of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act after the IDs of the girl confirmed her age as 15. She was also produced before the child welfare committee, additional DCP Kumar said.

“The investigation is ongoing, and the charge sheet will be filed in court” Kumar said.