Hyderabad: Kalapathar Police prevented the proposed marriage of a 17-year-old girl in Hyderabad’s Old City and helped her resume her education by joining a degree college.
The incident occurred on October 2 at Biryani Shah Tekri. Police acted on information that a minor girl was being married to Arif Ali Baig, a man in his forties who works as a cab driver in Dubai.
A team led by Kalapathar police officials, along with Task Force personnel, reached the premises and stopped the ceremony. The police subsequently informed child marriage helpline officials and registered a case under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006.
The case names the alleged groom, the marriage mediator, the Qazi and the girl’s parents. Recent reports said four people had been arrested, while further legal proceedings were continuing.
Police Clarify Groom’s Identity, Girl Resumes Studies
Police clarified that Baig is an Indian national from the Falaknuma area who works as a cab driver in Dubai. He is not a Dubai-based sheikh, contrary to claims circulated in some reports and on social media.
The clarification came amid speculation about the man’s identity and background. Police have urged people not to circulate unverified information about the case.
Following the intervention, the girl joined a degree college to continue her higher education. The move has helped her return to her studies after the proposed marriage was stopped.
The case has drawn attention to the importance of reporting suspected child marriages before ceremonies take place. Under Indian law, marriage involving a girl below 18 years of age is prohibited under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act.
Police have urged the public to alert authorities or the child marriage helpline if they learn of plans to marry a minor. Community members and child-protection workers can play an important role in identifying such cases and helping children continue their education.
The investigation and legal proceedings will determine the allegations against those named in the case.
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