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Journalism of Courage
A head-constable posted at the Varnama police station of Vadodara district has been suspended for marrying a minor girl. The inquiry in the case in still on and a formal case is expected to be registered if the policeman’s involvement is proved, said police officers.
It was in 2001 that Head-Constable Kishorsinh Chauhan, who is currently serving at the Varnama police station, married a girl aged 13 years and 10 months at that time. The issue came up after the girl’s brother sent a formal application to the Superintendent of Police seeking an inquiry and action against the policeman for marrying a child.
Vadodara Superintendent of Police S K Gadhvi told Newsline: “It is true that Chauhan has been accused of child marriage. We initiated an inquiry into the matter a week ago. We have suspended him for the same reason but are yet to ascertain the allegations.”
Sources said Chauhan lost his first wife and got married for the second time and even had three children from his second wife.
But after some marital problems cropped up, even she got separated and that is when Chauhan married the younger sister of his first wife, a minor.
An officer said: “While there is no documentary evidence of the third marriage, we are trying to get the birth date of the girl. She is now doing a PTC course. If the official inquiry proves that the girl was a minor at the time of the marriage, we will certainly take action against him and lodge a complaint.”
