14-Year-Old Girl Physically Carried Off by 29-Year-Old Husband, Outrage Ensues

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): A disturbing video has led to the arrest of several individuals in connection with the forced marriage of a 14-year-old girl in Tamil Nadu's Krishnagiri district. The girl, a class 7 dropout, was married against her will to 29-year-old Mathesh from Kalikuttai in Bengaluru on February 3. When she protested and attempted to escape, Mathesh forcibly carried her away, sparking widespread condemnation after the incident was captured on video and shared on social media.

Authorities have since registered a case under the POCSO Act and the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act. On March 5, the girl's mother, Nagamma, her husband Mathesh, and his brother Mallesh were arrested and sent to Salem Jail. The girl's father and Mallesh's wife were arrested earlier.

The girl is currently living with her grandparents.

Timeline of Events:

- February 3: 14-year-old girl married against her will to 29-year-old Mathesh in Bengaluru.

- February: Girl protests and attempts to escape, but is forcibly carried away by Mathesh.

- March 5: The Girl's mother, Nagamma, husband Mathesh, and brother-in-law Mallesh arrested and sent to Salem Jail.

The Law:

- The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act prohibits the marriage of girls below 18 years and boys below 21 years.

- The POCSO Act protects children from sexual offences and exploitation.