Minor Girl Foils Forced Marriage Bid by Dialling Child Helpline in Odisha
A joint team of Child Helpline members and police officers reached the aunt's residence and rescued the girl.
Bhubaneswar: A minor college student from Odisha's Kandhamal district successfully prevented her alleged forced marriage after seeking help through the Child Helpline, officials said on Sunday.
The girl, a scholar student and resident of an area under Phiringia police station, reportedly fled her home after learning that her parents had arranged her marriage to an adult man against her wishes.
According to officials, she initially took shelter at the residence of a distant aunt in the Sarangada police station area. However, fearing for her safety, she contacted the national Child Helpline by dialling 1098 and sought immediate intervention.
Following the distress call, Child Helpline personnel alerted the local police. A joint team of Child Helpline members and police officers reached the aunt's residence and rescued the girl.
The minor was counselled in the presence of police personnel and later shifted to the Sakhi One Stop Centre in Phulbani for temporary shelter and protection.
Officials said preliminary inquiries and counselling sessions were conducted after the rescue. Further action will be taken in accordance with child protection laws.
Kalahandi Child Helpline member Siba Shankar Behera said the authorities acted promptly after receiving information about the girl's whereabouts.
"We immediately informed the police station under whose jurisdiction the girl was staying. The local police rescued her, following which we counselled her in the presence of police personnel," Behera said.
He said the investigation revealed that the girl's family belonged to the Phiringia police station area and that she had left home after opposing the proposed marriage.
“When she felt unsafe even at her aunt's residence, she contacted the Child Helpline. After her rescue, she was provided shelter at the Sakhi One Stop Centre. Further decisions will be taken after she is produced before the Child Welfare authorities,” he added.
The girl remains under official care, while authorities continue the legal and counselling process in the case.
