Tribal Child Marriage Crackdown: Arrests in Thane

Eight individuals were arrested in Thane district, Maharashtra, for facilitating the marriage of a 35-year-old man to a 14-year-old tribal girl. The marriage, arranged for Rs 1.20 lakh, was halted by local police with the help of a tribal welfare volunteer, shedding light on a troubling regional trend.

Police in Thane district, Maharashtra, intercepted a marriage that involved a 35-year-old man and a 14-year-old tribal girl on Wednesday. Eight individuals, including the groom, were arrested for their roles in the illegal arrangement.

The practice of men from Nashik and Ahmednagar purchasing brides from Thane's tribal belt for marriages is reportedly gaining traction, with local authorities striving to counteract it. This case was unveiled thanks to a tip-off received by Dayanand Patil, a volunteer in a tribal welfare organization.

A case has been filed under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita section 143 and the Prevention of Child Marriage Act. Despite the arrests, the girl's father and step-mother remain at large.

(With inputs from agencies.)