TNN | Feb 27, 2014, 12.16 AM IST

RAIPUR: Acting on a tip off, Korba police succeeded in saving four minors from child marriage in Chhattisgarh's Korba district at Kartala and Katghora region on Tuesday and Wednesday.

First incident took place at Kartala village where a 17-year-old girl was getting married to a 14-year-old boy. The wedding was called off midway by police.

Police officials said that their team had counselled families of both boy and girl to withdraw from such activities as they were illegal as per guidelines of Child Marriages Restraint Act 1929- popularly known as Sharda Act.

They were told that wedding could take place between the two only when they crossed the legal age for marriage.

The groom's family, after showing resistance, went back to Dharamjaigarh and no case was registered.

Similarly, in another incident, at Puchapara in Karghora, a 16-year-old girl and boy were scheduled to get married. But police intervened before the groom's wedding procession could reach the venue and called off the ceremony after counselling.

According to annual health survey report, ratio of males is more than that of females in child marriages in Chhattisgarh. An officer in department of women and child welfare said that the traditional beliefs and customs among tribals in remote areas are a deterrent to curb the practice.

With two consecutive incidents of child marriage taking place, police officials speculate that there must be many such marriages occurring as this is the peak season for weddings.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/raipur/Cops-stop-two-child-marriages-in-Chhattisgarh/articleshow/31060466.cms