Mother marries off 13-year-old Telangana girl to 40-year-old man, rescued

A 13-year-old Class 8 student in Telangana’s Ranga Reddy district was rescued from child marriage after she confided in her school principal, who alerted the police and child protection officials.

The incident occurred in Nandigama mandal, where Sravanthi, a woman from Kandivada village in Chevella mandal, married off her daughter to a 40-year-old man named Srinivas Goud. The wedding reportedly took place at a local temple on May 28. The girl was forced by her mother to go and live with her in-laws, after which she disclosed the details to her principal.

Following the complaint from the school principal, officials from the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), the police, and child protection authorities stepped in. The girl was moved to the Sakhi Centre for support and counselling.

According to local news reports, Inspector Prasad, who is part of the investigation, said, “The girl lives with her mother and brother. The mother told the house owner where they lived on rent that she wanted to marry off her daughter. A mediator brought the alliance of the 40-year-old man and the ‘marriage’ happened in May.”

Based on the findings, the police took into custody the mother, Sravanthi, the groom, Srinivas Goud, the priest who conducted the marriage ceremony, and the individual who arranged the match. All five have been charged under the Prevention of Child Marriage Act.

Inspector Prasad confirmed, “The man, wife, girl’s mother, mediator and a priest who conducted the illegal wedding were charged under the Prevention of Child Marriage Act.”

Sexual relations with a minor are punishable under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The legal age for marriage in India is 21 years for men and 18 years for women.

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