Indore (Madhya Pradesh): In a deeply emotional and troubling case, a 15-year-old girl, raised single-handedly by her mother, eloped with a young man she had known for only 17 days.
The man, who had recently rented a house near the girl's home, allegedly persuaded her to leave behind the life her mother had painstakingly built for her.
The two travelled to the youth’s village in Guna district, where they married in a temple ceremony. His family welcomed the minor girl as their daughter-in-law.
Back in Indore, the mother—shattered and alone—lodged a missing person’s complaint at Banganga police station. Nearly three weeks later, the girl was traced to Guna and brought back to the city. She was presented before a court, and the matter was forwarded to the Women and Child Development Department by NGO AAS.
District Programme Officer assigned the case to a flying squad headed by Mahendra Pathak. Following an investigation, legal action has been initiated under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act. Those booked include the adult youth, the priest who solemnised the marriage, and members of the boy’s family who facilitated it.
Officials confirmed that the girl has been placed in the care of the Child Welfare Committee. Further legal proceedings are underway. The case highlights growing concerns over social media influence and lack of parental supervision.
