Shocking Incident: 12-Year-Old Girl Sold for ₹40,000 to 27-Year-Old in Madhya Pradesh; 5 Arrested

Latest Updates: Five individuals have been apprehended by the police in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, for aiding child marriage and human trafficking. The arrests came about when officials from the women and child welfare department intervened and prevented the marriage of a 12-year-old tribal girl to a 27-year-old man on June 27. Investigations reveal that the girl's parents had sold her for ₹40,000, receiving ₹20,000 as an upfront payment, with the remaining amount promised to be given after the wedding.

Kiranlata Kerketta, the Superintendent of Police (SP) for Bhopal rural, stated that the Women and Child Development Department provided information about a child marriage taking place in the Gunaga police station area on Monday (June 26). Upon reaching the location, they observed the 'haldi' ceremony in progress. During the investigation, it was discovered that the girl was 12 years old, while the prospective groom was 27 years old.

SP Kerketta further mentioned that the young girl informed the police that her parents had arranged her marriage for ₹40,000, disregarding her objections.

According to the officer, a case has been filed against a total of five individuals, which includes the parents of the minor girl, the groom, and his parents. The charges against them are under various acts, namely Human Trafficking, Juvenile Justice Act, Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, and SC/ST Act.

The police have confirmed the arrest of all the accused individuals. The police official stated that the investigation is ongoing, and if any brokers or additional individuals are found to be involved in the case, appropriate legal action will be taken against them.