Child Marriage Foiled in Patharkandi: Eight Arrested in Police’s Crackdown

In a decisive move against the unlawful practice of child marriage, the Patherkandi Police successfully thwarted a wedding in which a 21-year-old groom, Bilal Uddin, was set to marry a bride under the age of 18. This incident occurred despite the recent repeal of the Assam Muslim Marriages & Divorces Registration Act by the Assam government, which has intensified efforts to eradicate child marriage.

The marriage ceremony, or “nikah,” was taking place at the bride’s home in the Patharkandi area. Present at the ceremony were several relatives, including the bride’s father, Sabbir Uddin, and her maternal uncles, Nizam Uddin and Abbas Uddin. Also in attendance were Ali Hussain, Saad Uddin, Dilowar Hussain, and the Kazi (Marriage Registrar) Matbur Rahman, who was officiating the wedding.

In a swift action, Patherkandi Police arrested all eight individuals involved in organizing the illegal marriage. The arrested persons include:

Bilal Uddin – The groom
Sabbir Uddin – The bride’s father
Matbur Rahman – The Kazi (Marriage Registrar)
Nizam Uddin – Maternal uncle of the bride
Abbas Uddin – Maternal uncle of the bride
Ali Hussain – Relative
Saad Uddin – Relative
Dilowar Hussain – Relative

Following their arrest, the individuals were presented before the Karimganj Sessions Court, which ordered their detention in the district jail. The underage bride was placed in the custody of the Child Welfare Association to ensure her safety and well-being.

This action is part of a broader crackdown by Assam Police on child marriage, following the state government’s repeal of the colonial-era Assam Muslim Marriages & Divorces Registration Act. The government’s commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against child marriage aims to protect the rights of minors and uphold legal standards.

The Assam government and law enforcement agencies continue to urge the public to report any instances of child marriage, emphasizing the importance of community vigilance in the fight against this illegal practice.