Balangir/Balasore: Two separate attempts to marry off children in both the districts were averted because of timely intervention by activists and the district administration.

Child marriage is a punishable offence, according to the Child Marriage Prohibition Act, 2006, which provides for punishment with rigorous imprisonment for two years or fine which may extend up to Rs 1 lakh or both.

Childline, child welfare committee and police succeeded to prevent a child marriage, which was to be solemnised at Uchbahal village under Balangir Sadar block on Friday night.

The team, led by district child protection officer Sudhanshu Kumar Kumbhar, reached the bride's place just before the arrival of the groom and asked the family to call off the marriage. The 16-year-old girl has appeared for the Class X board examination from Ramachandrapur Kanyashram this year. Her parents had fixed her marriage with one Braja Nag of Kakhal village under Balangir Sadar block.

There was a mild tension for some time as the cops tried to take the girl to the police station. Her family members and the villagers took the girl away from the cops. After counselling, the girl's parents agreed to call off the marriage of their daughter.

Kumbhar said: "Her parents were found completely ignorant that child marriage was a criminal offence. We got them convinced after counselling, and they agreed not to go ahead with the marriage."

In Balasore district, the marriage of a under-age girl was stalled at Bhograi when preparation for tying nuptial knot was under way at the Bhusundeswar temple.

Child development programme officer Subasi Mundu said: "As soon as it came to our knowledge that the bride is minor, we immediately rushed to the temple and asked for Aadhaar cards of both of them. The bridge groom showed it mentioning his age as 28, but the bride's parents could not produce the card. When asked for other documents corroborating her age, they said they had her school certificate."

"When they were asked to produce her school certificate, they left and didn't turn up for hours. On the other hand, the bride groom fled the place. Later, they were all called to the temple. After counselling when the girl refused to tie the knot, both the families gave a written statement that they would not hold this marriage," she said.

The marriage was to be solemnised between Biswanath Dalai, 28, of Raipur village of Bhograi block and the girl of Jamkunda under Baliapal block.

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