PHAGWARA: A serious case has been registered at Rawalpindi Police Station, Phagwara, after allegations surfaced that a minor girl was forcibly taken and compelled into marriage. The complaint was lodged by Shamu, resident of village Babali, who reported that on the evening of January 10, members of the Gujjar community from his locality allegedly attempted to coerce his daughter into marrying against her will.
According to the FIR, the accused have been identified as Farida, his two sons Nazir and Rafi and Malaki, wife of Farida, all residents of Babli village. The complainant stated that the accused visited his home and pressured his family to accept a marriage proposal for his eldest daughter aged approximately 15 years. When the family refused, the accused allegedly tried to mislead the girl with false assurances of marriage and attempted to take her away on a motorcycle.
Police have registered the case under Sections 363 and 366A of the Indian Penal Code, which pertain to kidnapping and compelling a minor girl into marriage or illicit relations. Phagwara S.P. Madhvi Sharma told that the investigation is underway, and has assured that strict action will be taken in accordance with the law.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about child marriage and coercion in rural communities, raising questions about the protection of minors and the enforcement of legal safeguards.