Assam Police Crackdown: 59 Detained in Dhubri for Child Marriage Involvement

GUWAHATI: The police arrested 59 people in the district of Assam's Dhubri on December 22 in a major crackdown on facilitating and organizing child marriages.

The operation included areas like College TOP, Bazar TOP, Dharmasala, Soulmari, Gauripur, Golakganj, Tamarhat, and Bilasipara. It marked a concerted effort to take a handle on the deep-rooted problem of underage marriages in the region.

The operation had been launched after specific intelligence inputs regarding organized child marriage activities. The authorities moved swiftly to arrest those accused of having arranged or even been involved directly in these marriages prohibited under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006. The law criminalized child marriage and ensured to protection of the welfare of minor children by providing them with a right to education and a secured future.

A senior police officer of the district said, "This operation is a manifestation of the zero-tolerance policy for child marriage by the district administration. The safety of children and the right of children to education and a safe future is our priority."

The arrests are part of a larger strategy by Dhubri police to address the root causes of child marriage. This includes active community outreach programs designed to educate the public about the adverse effects of child marriage. These initiatives aim to highlight the legal marriageable age, the health risks to minors, and the societal impacts of such practices.

The authorities have also requested the public to inform them whenever they suspect someone of committing child marriage. Community involvement is crucial in the efforts to break the illegal chains.

The arrested are detained in police custody. More suspects are being identified, and prosecution is underway. Law enforcement is diligently collecting evidence to ensure the culprits are brought to book according to the law.

The crackdown tells the message of not tolerating child marriage, and, at the same time, it has thrown light upon the police taking proactive steps to safeguard the rights of children. The district administration hopes that this will prevent future violations, paving the way for a better and safer environment for all minors in the region.

The authorities have called upon the public to cooperate with them in the fight against child marriage. Reporting suspicious activities and participating in awareness campaigns are some of the steps necessary to eradicate this illegal and harmful practice.

This operation is a testament to the determination of Assam police to uphold the law and protect the vulnerable from exploitation, which reflects the broader commitment to social justice and child welfare.

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