Child marriage: Groom flees to escape arrest near Vaniyambadi

According to officials, the under-age girl of Madanancheri village studied in Class 12. However, the information was passed on to the child helpline, following which, the Revenue and social welfare officials in Vellore district were informed.

The team reached the marriage venue at 6:30 am as the auspicious time for the wedding was between 6 am and 7:30 am. However, they found the hall to be deserted. Thereafter, it was revealed that the groom and his relatives fled the spot on learning that officials are scheduled to visit the hall. A search is on for the groom and his relatives.

In a similar incident in Narayanakuppam, a 17-year-old girl’s marriage with one Mahesh (24) was called off on Wednesday after the VAO informed the Revenue officials, who told the girl’s parents that they would face police action if they went ahead with the marriage of the under-age girl.