Midnapore: Following strict directives from the Bengal govt to curb child marriage, Garhbeta Police in West Midnapore district arrested a 22-year-old man under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act after his minor wife gave birth at a private hospital in Chandrakona Town.
Police were alerted around 9.30 pm on Wednesday after receiving information about the minor’s delivery. West Midnapore SP Papiya Sultana confirmed that heightened vigil is being maintained across the district in line with state guidelines: “Following the CM’s directives to end child marriage and underage pregnancies, continuous surveillance is underway across the district.
We urge everyone to prioritize the health and physical condition of minors in such situations,” the SP said. Acting promptly on the notification, officers arrested the husband. Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) Soumya Shankar Sarangi emphasised the role of law enforcement in deterrence: “This is precisely the outcome needed. Strict police action under the law will help reduce teenage marriages. Police must enforce stringent measures to prevent early marriages. Under the leadership of the DSP, district initiatives have already led to a significant reduction in underage pregnancies compared to previous years.
The accused was produced before the Midnapore Special (POCSO) Court on Thursday. Upon receiving the information yesterday, officers immediately arrested the accused.