Assam child marriages: Dhubri district tops with 192 arrests

The special drive, aimed at curbing the menace of child marriage, has highlighted the extent of the problem in various districts of Assam...

Digital Desk: In a determined effort to combat the grave issue of child marriage, Assam witnessed a massive crackdown in the late hours of October 2 and 3, 2023, leading to the apprehension of a staggering 916 individuals across the state. A total of 706 cases have been filed against the accused, with the highest number of arrests occurring in Dhubri district, where 192 individuals were taken into custody. Barpeta district closely followed with 142 arrests, while Hailakandi reported 59 detentions.

The special drive, aimed at curbing the menace of child marriage, has highlighted the extent of the problem in various districts of Assam. The law enforcement agencies have taken strict action against those involved in child marriage, including husbands, relatives, and solemnizers.

In a district-wise breakdown of arrests, it is evident that child marriage is a widespread issue in the state:

1. Bajali: 18 cases registered, 18 accused, 18 arrested.
2. Baksa: 33 cases registered, 33 accused, 33 arrested.
3. Barpeta: 85 cases registered, 244 accused, 142 arrested.
4. Biswanath: 5 cases registered, 9 accused, 9 arrested.
5. Bongaigaon: 23 cases registered, 53 accused, 40 arrested.
6. Cachar: 22 cases registered, 34 accused, 34 arrested.
7. Charaideo: 5 cases registered, 5 accused, 5 arrested.
8. Chirang: 10 cases registered, 10 accused, 10 arrested.
9. Darrang: 7 cases registered, 9 accused, 9 arrested.
10. Dhemaji: 9 cases registered, 9 accused, 9 arrested.
11. Dhubri: 125 cases registered, 125 accused, 192 arrested.
12. Dibrugarh: 3 cases registered, 3 accused, 3 arrested.
13. Dima Hasao: 1 case registered, 1 accused, 1 arrested.
14. Goalpara: 22 cases registered, 66 accused, 28 arrested.
15. Golaghat: 9 cases registered, 11 accused, 11 arrested.
16. Hailakandi: 45 cases registered, 59 accused, 59 arrested.
17. Hojai: 36 cases registered, 53 accused, 31 arrested.
18. Jorhat: 4 cases registered, 4 accused, 4 arrested.
19. Kamrup Metro: 4 cases registered, 4 accused, 4 arrested.
20. Kamrup: 39 cases registered, 50 accused, 50 arrested.
21. Kaminganj: 40 cases registered, 47 accused, 47 arrested.
22. Kokrajhar: 20 cases registered, 24 accused, 24 arrested.
23. Lakhimpur: 14 cases registered, 14 accused, 10 arrested.
24. Morigaon: 26 cases registered, 35 accused, 35 arrested.
25. Nagaon: 32 cases registered, 32 accused, 30 arrested.
26. Nalbari: 8 cases registered, 10 accused, 10 arrested.
27. Sivasagar: 4 cases registered, 4 accused, 4 arrested.
28. Sonitpur: 9 cases registered, 6 accused, 6 arrested.
29. South Salmara: 50 cases registered, 50 accused, 39 arrested.
30. Tinsukia: 4 cases registered, 7 accused, 7 arrested.
31. Tamulpur: 4 cases registered, 7 accused, 7 arrested.
32. Udalguri: 5 cases registered, 5 accused, 5 arrested.

The total number of cases registered stands at 706, with 1041 accused individuals. Out of these, 916 have been arrested, demonstrating the seriousness of the issue in Assam.

Child marriage remains a pressing concern in India, and Assam's recent crackdown sends a strong message against this illegal and harmful practice. The arrests and legal action taken against those involved serve as a reminder that child marriage not only violates the law but also endangers the well-being and future of young girls and boys.

Efforts to address this issue should continue with a focus on awareness campaigns, education, and support for vulnerable communities to ensure a safer and brighter future for the children of Assam.