Helpline tip-off foils two child marriages in Koppal district

Koppal: Two separate child marriages were prevented in Koppal district following tip-offs received on the child helpline 1098, functioning under the District Child Protection Unit. Timely intervention by officials led to the rescue of two minor girls before they could be married off.In the first case, parents had decided to marry off a girl studying in the eighth standard solely because the prospective groom's family was financially well-off. Acting on a call received through the 1098 helpline, officials visited the spot, verified documents and confirmed that the girl was only 16 years old. The proposed marriage was immediately stopped, and the minor was rescued within the limits of Kanakagiri police station.In another incident reported from the jurisdiction of the Bevoor police station, authorities received information about a wedding scheduled for April 20. A raid was conducted, during which it was found that parents were attempting to marry off a girl studying in the fourth standard, citing a peculiar belief that "children are spoiled by phone usage".The rescue operations were carried out by a joint team comprising Basavaraj Gurudev of the District Child Protection Unit, zonal supervisor Girijamma, panchayat development officers, school principal Yamanurappa Gawari and women police constables.Early marriage can severely impact a child's physical, emotional and educational well-being, said district child protection officer Sindhu Angadi in a press release. She urged families to prioritise children's education and values and to make use of available helplines for support. Women in distress can seek assistance through helpline 181, children through helpline 1098, and emergency police services through the 24-hour helpline 112. Those addicted to cigarettes or tobacco can avail counselling services by calling 1800112356, she added.