Missing 13-year-old marries in temple:Family reported minor missing 6 weeks earlier, raising questions over probe

A case involving the alleged abduction of a minor girl in Satna district has taken a new turn after a video showing her wedding at a temple surfaced on social media. The incident has raised serious questions about the police investigation and the enforcement of child marriage laws. According to officials, the girl’s family from the Baroundha police station area had lodged a missing person’s complaint on May 11, 2026. The family told police that their 13-year-6-month-old daughter had gone out to buy household items but never returned. After an unsuccessful search, police registered a case against an unidentified person for allegedly luring and abducting the minor. Girl seen performing wedding rituals The viral video purportedly shows the minor girl exchanging garlands and performing the traditional wedding rituals with a young man inside a temple. Several other people can also be seen attending the ceremony. According to local sources, members of both families were present during the wedding. See two pictures… Minor to be produced before child welfare committee The Women and Child Development Department has taken cognisance of the matter. Officials said the girl, who is a Class 6 student, will be produced before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) on Thursday. Further action will be taken based on her statement and the circumstances of the case. Women and Child Development Officer Rajeev Singh said he was not previously aware of the incident but had since spoken with the Baroundha police station in-charge. “This case involves a minor girl. She will be produced before the Child Welfare Committee on Thursday, after which action will be taken in accordance with the law,” he said. Questions raised over child marriage prevention The incident has once again highlighted concerns over the continued prevalence of child marriage despite strict legal provisions. The emergence of a video showing the marriage of a girl below the age of 14 has also raised questions about the effectiveness of administrative monitoring and public awareness campaigns in rural areas. Child marriage is a punishable offence Legal experts note that marrying a minor is a serious offence under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, as well as the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The law also provides for action against those who facilitate, organise or participate in such marriages. Those found guilty may face up to two years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to ₹1 lakh.