• Source:JND
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In a shocking incident from Telangana's Ranga Reddy district, a 13-year-old girl studying in Class 8 was married off to a 40-year-old man. The illegal marriage came to light only after the girl mustered the courage to speak to her school teacher, who then alerted the local authorities, leading to her rescue.

The man, identified as Srinivas Goud, reportedly married the girl on May 28. Following the teacher’s alert, tahsildar Rajeshwar and the police, along with District Child Protection Services, intervened immediately.

According to police sources quoted by NDTV, “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."

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Following the investigation, police arrested Srinivas Goud, the girl’s mother, the mediator, the priest who conducted the illegal ceremony, and a woman who allegedly helped facilitate the marriage. All have been charged under the Prevention of Child Marriage Act, the police confirmed.

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District Child Protection Officer Prawin Kumar added, “They were cohabitating for about two months. If the girl was forced into a sexual relationship, a case under POCSO will be filed against the man, Srinivas Goud.”

The child has since been moved to a Sakhi Centre, a government-supported shelter for women and children in distress where she is currently receiving counselling and protection.

Authorities have reiterated that sexual relations with a minor, regardless of marital status, are punishable under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.