Bengaluru Police Launch Manhunt for Food-Delivery Agent in Minor Marriage Case
Police in Bengaluru are actively searching for a food-delivery agent in his twenties who is accused of marrying a minor girl. The girl, who is currently five months pregnant, has become the center of a legal investigation that has led to charges against multiple individuals.
Suspect Identified and Charges Filed
The suspect has been identified as Nataraj, a resident of the Slum Board area in Sadaramangala, Kadugodi. Based on a formal complaint filed by the legal officer of the district child protection unit, Tilakesh Kumar K, the Kadugodi police have registered a case against Nataraj. The charges are serious, falling under sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) 2012 and the Child Marriage Prohibition Act.
In a significant development, police have also booked the minor girl's mother and Nataraj's parents for their alleged involvement in the offense. This indicates that authorities believe there was familial complicity in the arrangement.
Background of the Relationship
According to an investigating officer, Nataraj hails from Tamil Nadu and has known the girl's family for an extended period. The girl, described as a school dropout, was reportedly in love with Nataraj. When their relationship was discovered, both families decided to proceed with a marriage ceremony. However, as the officer noted, "None of them thought of the legal consequences" of this decision, highlighting a critical oversight regarding the girl's minor status.
Twist Involving Another Suitor
The case took an unexpected turn when another food-delivery agent, who had aspirations of marrying the same girl, became unhappy upon learning of her marriage to Nataraj. This disappointed individual took decisive action by approaching the child protection unit and filing a formal complaint.
Based on his statement, officials conducted a thorough cross-check of the girl's age, confirming she was only 17 years and six months old at the time of the marriage. This verification was crucial in establishing the legal grounds for the charges.
Current Status of the Investigation
Nataraj is currently absconding, and his mobile phone remains switched off, complicating police efforts to locate him. The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to apprehend the suspect and further examine the roles of all involved parties.
This case underscores the persistent issue of child marriage in certain communities and the legal ramifications for those who participate in or facilitate such unions. It also highlights the importance of community vigilance, as demonstrated by the other agent's complaint, which initiated the official inquiry.
