Child marriage crackdown in Assam: Eight arrested in Karimganj including groom Bilal and Kazi

Guwahati: The Karimganj police in Assam have intensified their efforts to combat child marriage in the district, resulting in the arrest of eight individuals, including the groom and the Kazi. The arrests were made on May 21 during a raid in Kabariband village, Patharkandi constituency.

Despite stringent warnings from Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma against social evils like child marriage, this unlawful practice continues to persist. The CM has repeatedly emphasised the importance of eradicating child marriage in Assam, reinforcing that it is a punishable offence under state legislation. However, the recent incident highlights ongoing defiance, particularly within certain communities.

In this case, the offender, Bilal Uddin, was set to marry an underage girl from a nearby village, just five kilometres away. Despite knowing the legal implications, both families decided to proceed with the marriage, which was conducted in the presence of a Kazi. Local Village Defence Party (VDP) members alerted the police about the impending child marriage. Upon arrival, the police confirmed that the bride was a minor.

The police swiftly arrested Bilal Uddin, along with Shabbir Uddin, Dilwar Hussain, Asab Uddin, Nizam Uddin, Shad Uddin, Ali Hussain, and Mahtabur Rahman. The underage bride was rescued and handed over to the Child Welfare Society for protection and care.

Chief Minister Sarma’s stance on child marriage underscores a broader state initiative to uphold children’s rights and protect them from such harmful practices. The Karimganj police’s proactive approach serves as a reminder of the legal consequences awaiting those who attempt to violate child protection laws.

It should be mentioned that Assam government has started crackdown against child marriage in 2023. Over 3000 child marriage offenders, mostly Muslims, were arrested and over 4500 cases were registered against these offenders. So far 42 of these offenders were convicted by different courts under the POCSO act and sentenced to imprisonment. But the child marriage are still taking place in the far flung Muslim areas of the state. CM Sarma vows to end child marriage by 2026 from the state.