While child marriage is a punishable offence under the law in our country, sadly, in some parts of our diverse land, the practice is still prevalent. And, many young girls, when they should be studying or enjoying their childhood to the fullest, are married off.
In a Jaipur slum, a 16-year-old (who was sent to her in-laws’ house by her parents) was rescued by her classmates and is now enrolled at school. Anju (name changed) was a child bride and at the young age of 11 was married to a man more than 10 years elder to her, in 2012. She told, Hindustan Times,
Anju continued to live with her brothers, but on May 30, she was sent off to her in-laws’ home to live with her now 28-year-old husband. When she missed school, her friends enquired Anju’s parents about her whereabouts. Upon learning that she was sent away, her 13 friends frantically looked for her. And, found her after a struggling pursuit.
They went to the local Police for help but were told that no action would be taken without Anju’s parents complaining about the same. While returning disheartened, one of them noted the district collector’s number written on the wall.
The girl called up the collector from a PCO while pleading him to help her friend.
“The collector first asked me to text him the address of Anju’s in-laws. But when I told him I don’t have a phone, he took down the address himself.”
Siddharth Mahajan, the collector, told HT.
Hours later Police reached to rescue Anju and she was sent to the child welfare committee (CWC) office, who sent her to live in a shelter home. But the friends wanted her back at school, hence took their teachers’ help who convinced Anju’s parents to request her release. The CWC gave in and Anju was back at school, where she was given a grand welcome.
The young gal has moved to Jaipur family court with the request to annul her marriage.
“I want this marriage to end.”
This is such an inspirational story and we hope everyone is blessed with such friends.
Source: Hindustan Times