DCW prevents minor's forced marriage in Delhi

The Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) on Monday rescued a minor girl who was being "forcibly" married to a much older man.

While investigating the child marriage, the Commission also learned that the girl, 13, was sexually abused by the supposed groom's elder brother, 35.

"On learning about the marriage of a 13-year-old to a man aged 25, the Commission immediately deputed senior counsellors who visited the child marriage victim's house in Palam, Delhi. The team was shocked to note that wedding arrangements had been made in the house and the girl was dressed up as a bride and was being taken to Uttar Pradesh for her wedding," the DCW said in a statement.

"It was learned that the victim belonged to a poor family where her mother was a domestic help and father a daily wage labourer," it added.

The Commission then involved Delhi Police in the matter and informed the SHO of the area about the situation, following which the police team, accompanied by a DCW counselor, reached the house and ordered to halt the wedding.

"The girl has been sent to the Child Welfare Committee which has placed the girl in a shelter home. The Commission shall try and rehabilitate her," the statement said.

--IANS

sd/nir