'Girl is a bright student, will ensure further studies'; CWC to take strong action in child marriage bid in Malappuram

MALAPPURAM: The Child Welfare Committee (CWC) has said that it will take strong action in connection with the incident where the marriage of a Class 9 student was fixed in Kottakkal. CWC member Adv. P Jabir said that the girl is a bright student and that arrangements will be made to ensure her further studies. He added that the CWC will be able to protect her till the age of 21 and that her future will be made secure. 10 persons, including the girl's fiancé, have been booked in connection with the child marriage.

According to reports, the 22-year-old fiancé and his family visited the 14-year-old girl’s house in Maravattam, under the Marakkara panchayat, on Saturday evening to finalise the marriage. Both families are said to be relatives. The CWC had received information about the planned marriage from neighbours. A committee member had visited the house on Friday and warned the family not to proceed with the ceremony. Despite the warning, the family went ahead with the arrangements. Following this, a police team led by Kadampuzha SHO V.K. Sreejesh arrived at the scene and intervened. The girl has since been shifted to a safe facility in Malappuram.