Bengaluru: A 16-year-old girl here was rescued from an alleged child marriage after authorities intervened days before the ceremony following a complaint raised by her boyfriend.

According to reports, the teenager’s family had arranged her marriage to a 33-year-old man and had booked a wedding hall in the city for May 11. Officials stepped in after information about the planned marriage was passed on to the Urban District Child Protection Office through a pro-Kannada organisation.

Family allegedly pressured teen into marriage

As reported by The Indian Express, the girl had been facing emotional pressure from her family to agree to the marriage.

The report stated that her mother suffers from kidney failure and undergoes regular dialysis treatment. The teenager, distressed over the situation and unwilling to proceed with the wedding, reportedly confided in her boyfriend about the pressure she was facing at home.

The boy then approached a pro-Kannada organisation for help, which subsequently alerted child protection authorities.

Officials intervened four days before wedding

On May 7, just four days ahead of the scheduled wedding, officials visited the family’s residence and intervened in the matter.

Members of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) reportedly counselled the family and explained the legal consequences associated with child marriage. Officials also warned that the groom could face legal action for agreeing to marry a minor.

During the session, authorities additionally discussed the emotional and health risks linked to early marriage.

According to reports, the girl’s mother broke down during the counselling process after officials informed the family that the minor could be moved to a shelter home for her protection if necessary.

She also allegedly threatened to harm herself during the discussions.

After several hours of counselling and conversations with officials, the family eventually agreed to stop the wedding plans.

Father cancels wedding

The girl’s father later signed an undertaking stating that the marriage would be cancelled and that the family would wait until their daughter reached the legal age for marriage before considering any future arrangements.

The intervention prevented the wedding from taking place just days before the scheduled ceremony in Bengaluru.