Pune: A child marriage case involving a minor girl has come to light in Alandi, with police registering an offense against 12 individuals, including the husband, family members, and staff associated with the marriage ceremony. The incident took place on November 21, 2024, at Gandharva Marriage Hall on Wadgaon Road, Alandi.
The accused include Gaurav Subhash Murkya (resident of Salveshwar Nagar, Parbhani), the minor bride's mother, uncle, and aunt (residents of Karegaon, Pune), her father-in-law Subhash Bholaram, mother-in-law, brother-in-law Shubham Subhash Murkya, sister-in-law, Santosh Bholaram Murkya, and Pramod Bholaram Murkya (residents of Parbhani). Additionally, the director and other service providers of Gandharva Marriage Hall have been named in the case.
The case was filed by Milind Sopanrao Waghmare, a Child Development Project Officer and Child Marriage Prohibition Officer from Parbhani, who reported the illegal marriage of a 17-year-old girl to Gaurav Murkya. The police have registered charges under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act.
Investigations reveal that the suspects, including family members and the management of the marriage hall, were complicit in facilitating the child marriage.
The complaint prompted the Alandi police to take swift action and file a case against all involved. Further investigations are underway to identify additional details and prevent similar violations in the future.
