Members of the ‘Akka Pade’ initiative successfully intervened to prevent an underage marriage in the Belagavi district of Karnataka. The timely action by the women’s protection task force prevented the marriage of a 17-year-old girl to a groom from Pune, Maharashtra.
The incident occurred during routine patrolling in Vantamuri Colony, where officers noticed marriage preparations. An inquiry revealed the girl’s age, leading to the intervention by the Akka Pade team. The rescued minor was subsequently presented before the Child Welfare Committee for necessary care and counseling.
Following the incident, a case has been registered against the girl’s father at the Belagavi City Women’s Police Station for attempting to facilitate a child marriage. Police Commissioner Bhushan Borase commended the Akka Pade team for their swift action and urged the public to cooperate with authorities in preventing such violations.
The Akka Pade, which translates to ‘Sisters Force,’ is a specialized unit comprising women police personnel. Launched as part of a broader initiative to enhance safety for women and children, the squad actively patrols public spaces, engages with communities, and raises awareness about issues such as child marriage, sexual abuse, and the POCSO Act.
The initiative was initially piloted in districts like Mysuru, Belagavi, and Dakshina Kannada. Due to its success in curbing child marriages and protecting minors, the Karnataka Cabinet has approved its statewide implementation across all 31 districts and five police commissionerates. The scheme aims to strengthen efforts against atrocities targeting minor girls and women.
Recent data indicates a persistent concern regarding child pregnancies in Karnataka, with hundreds of cases reported annually over the past few years, underscoring the importance of initiatives like Akka Pade.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
