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Kerala Court Orders Probe Into Suspected Child Marriage in Kasaragod

The case tests how child-protection reports move from hotline alerts to police action under India’s anti–child marriage law.

Overview

  • Chandera Police opened a case after the Hosdurg magistrate ordered action based on a report from the Child Marriage Prohibition Officer.
  • The report cited prima facie evidence that a 16-year-old was married to 28-year-old Sabir at Azhikkal Juma Masjid on April 13th.
  • Four people were booked, including the girl's father, Padna panchayat member and mosque secretary P K Thajuddin, a mosque cleric, and Sabir.
  • Police are reviewing CCTV, photos, and witness statements to determine if the function was a marriage or an engagement, as both families claim it was only an engagement.
  • Officers say Sabir left for South Korea for work, and a separate complaint to the Kerala Chief Secretary seeks a higher-level probe that could expand oversight of the case.