Kolkata: Child marriage is increasing in greater Kolkata, with 92 cases reported in the past two years. Police sources said poor surveillance by local police stations is one of the main reasons behind the rise.The highest number of cases has been reported from areas under Kolkata Police’s South-East and Bhangar divisions.Police commissioner Ajay Nand has ordered strict action. He has told officers to respond quickly to complaints and take legal steps wherever needed. Police stations have also been asked to focus on public awareness.The move comes after state govt stressed the need to stop child marriage and warned of tough action. Several awareness campaigns on the issue are being held on Oct 2.Police sources said many police stations earlier did not keep proper records of child marriage cases. Complaints about underage girls being married off were often not taken seriously. As a result, very few minors were rescued. Police also do not have clear data on how many teenage girls left their homes after marriage or never returned. After pressure from Lalbazar, police stations have now started collecting information on past cases in their areas.According to available data, child marriage is common in Tiljala, Topsia and Karaya under Southeast Division. Several cases have also been reported from North Kashipur and Bijoyganj Bazaar under Bhangar division. In these two divisions alone, more than 70 girls were reportedly married off in the past one-and-a-half years.Police said some of these girls cannot be traced. Officers suspect that some moved away after marriage, while others may have been trafficked. The issue was discussed at Kolkata Police’s monthly crime conference last Saturday. The commissioner expressed concern over the situation. Officials said poverty, social conditions and lack of awareness are the main reasons behind child marriage.The commissioner has instructed every police station to keep a regular watch on child marriages in its area. If any case is reported or detected, police must act immediately. Legal action may also be taken against parents if required.Lalbazar has also asked police stations to collect details of underage girls who have already been married, so that some of them can still be rescued.Police have been told to run awareness campaigns in every police station area, especially in South-East and Bhangar divisions. Officers will visit local communities and explain to families why girls below 18 must not be married off. They will also explain the health risks of child marriage and inform people that such marriages are illegal and can lead to arrests.
