Crime Patrol: Panchayat asked 6-year-old rape survivor to marry alleged rapist's son on parents' request (Episode 307 on 25th Oct 2013)

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The Inside Story

Community Panchayat Orders 6-year-old Rape Victim to Marry Rapist's Son

In Kota, Rajasthan, a community panchayat ordered a six-year-old rape survivor to marry her alleged rapist's 10-year-old son earlier this week, at the request of the girl's parents. The 40-year-old neighbor allegedly raped the girl twice, a fortnight ago and again on Wednesday. The girl's parents made the request to save their "honour" as they felt they would not be able to find a match for their child after the incident. But the accused refused to obey the panchayat order, offering instead to marry the minor himself. The girl's family then approached the police, which arrested the accused on Thursday. Child marriages are common in Rajasthan with betrothals often taking place in childhood while the girls are sent to their marital homes on attaining puberty. This incident highlights the urgent need for effective measures to prevent child marriages and to protect the rights and welfare of young girls in the region.

The practice of child marriages in Rajasthan is a serious problem that has devastating effects on young girls and their futures. The decision of the community panchayat is unacceptable and illegal, and it is important that the accused is brought to justice.

Child marriages are not only a violation of human rights, but also a major impediment to the social and economic development of the country. It is crucial that the government and civil society organizations work together to create awareness about the issue and take effective measures to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.

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