DC Impact: New complaint against child bride’s father from Kerala

ALAPPUZHA: A fresh complaint against the parents who solemnised the marriage of their 17-year-old daughter with a 38-year-old man was lodged  with Mannar police by Child Development Project Officer,  Mavelikara, on Tuesday.
  This follows a report titled ‘Action sought against child bride’s parents’ published in Deccan Chronicle on September 13.  CDPO R. Srilatha said  she had received  new dossiers proving that the child marriage was patronised by her parents. “The police had taken no action over my earlier complaint saying that there was not enough evidence against the parents. I have produced the letter written by the girl’s father N. Omanakuttan to No-691 branch of All-Kerala Viswakarma Sabha, admitting that he himself  had patronised his minor daughter’s marriage on May 24 last at a church in Edathua here. The complaint was registered with Chengannur DySP also after confirming that the girl was  living in the house of her alleged husband Rajesh at Chennithala near Mavelikara,”  she said.  
  Mannar police SI Mr S. Sreekumar  said, “we will summon the accused and  cross-check their statement with evidence. If we find any foul play, action will be taken,”  he said.
 It may be recalled that Omanakuttan, a carpenter, had confessed to the sabha that his daughter was secretly married to Rajesh, Kattoor Kizhakathil, Thripperunthura panchayat, Chennithala,  when the illegal activity was questioned by the sabha authorities.