Police rescue minor girl being forced into marriage

Two suspects, including 55-year-old groom, apprehended

SUKKUR: Timely action by the Ghotki police saved a minor girl who was being married off to a 55-old-year man in Bahadur Laghari village, situated within the limits of the Khanpur Mahar police station, on Monday night.

According to residents, 12-year-old N* was being married to Soomar Laghari. On a tip-off, the Khanpur Mahar police rushed to the scene and arrested the groom and Maulvi Allah Diwayo Laghari. The police also took the girl into protective custody.



In his statement to the police, Soomar claimed that he had paid Rs200,000 to the girl's father for the marriage. However, refuting his claim, the girl said that her family is poor and taking advantage of their poverty, Soomar, along with some armed men, barged into their house and forcefully tried to solemnise nikkah with her.



The girl's cousin, Qurban Laghari, has registered an FIR at the Khanpur Mahar police station against nine people, including Soomar, Maulvi Laghari, Sikandar, Younus and Mukhtiar.



Talking to The Express Tribune, Khanpur Mahar SHO Zulfiqar Mahar confirmed the arrest of the two suspects and claimed that raids are being conducted to apprehend the remaining accused.

He added that the girl has been handed over to her parents.

*Name withheld to protect identity

Published in The Express Tribune, October 26^th, 2016.