In a disturbing incident in Rajasthan’s Dholpur district, a seven-year-old girl was allegedly sold for ₹4.50 lakh (approximately $6,000) to be married off to a middle-aged man. The family of Bhupal Singh, a 38-year-old man, reportedly purchased the girl from her father before marrying her on May 21. The incident took place in the Mania area of the district.
Upon receiving information about the alleged incident, the police launched an investigation. Preliminary findings revealed that Singh’s family had settled in the village after some of its members had served time in jail for a murder case in Madhya Pradesh.
Taking swift action, a team led by Deputy Superintendent of Police Deepak Khandelwal conducted a raid on a house and successfully recovered the girl. During the rescue, it was observed that henna had been applied to her hands and ankles, possibly indicating preparations for a wedding ceremony.
Further investigation revealed that Singh’s family members confessed to purchasing the girl by paying ₹4.50 lakh to her father. A case has been registered, and authorities are gathering information about the individuals involved in the act to take appropriate legal action.
Child marriage remains a significant issue in several parts of India, despite being illegal under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act. It is a grave violation of children’s rights, affecting their health, education, and overall well-being. The practice is driven by various factors, including poverty, cultural traditions, and limited awareness about the legal repercussions and harmful consequences.
The government and various organizations have been working diligently to address this issue and eradicate child marriage. Efforts include raising awareness, providing education and support to at-risk communities, and implementing stricter enforcement of existing laws.
Cases like the one in Dholpur highlight the urgent need for continued vigilance and action to protect children from such exploitative practices. Authorities must ensure that the individuals involved in the alleged trafficking and child marriage are held accountable for their actions.
Society as a whole must condemn and actively work against child marriage, promoting a safe and nurturing environment for children to grow and develop. Only through collective efforts and a steadfast commitment to protecting children can we hope to eliminate this harmful practice and safeguard the rights and futures of vulnerable young individuals.
