Newly appointed Jharkhand BJP president Tala Marandi on Saturday ran into trouble after the State administration booked him, along with his son Munna Marandi and girl's father Bhagan Baski under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 for solemnising wedding with a minor girl.
Child Marriage Prohibition officer-cum-Block Development Officer of Boarijore block in Godda lodged a complaint in the Civil Court at the directive of Deputy Commissioner Rahul Kumar Sinha under Sections 9, 10, 11 of the Act.
These provisions refer to punishment for a male adult marrying a minor, conducting, permitting for promoting a child marriage. These offences are punishable with rigorous imprisonment which may extend to two years or with fine which may extend to one lakh rupees or with both.
Munna was already booked by the police for allegedly sexually abusing another girl from Godda. Tala represents Borio constituency in the State Assembly.
After investigating the matter and gathering all necessary evidence which also involve statement of Panchayat Mukhiya Sanoti Soren, Panchayat Secretary Suman Kumar, ward member Hemanti Tudu and others, the report has been compiled by the Child Marriage Prohibition Officer.
Considering the matter and delay in registering an FIR, State Commission for Protection of Child Rights had also written to Godda DC on July 1 to investigate the issue.
The school document stated that the girl, who got married to Munna on June 27 is over 11 years old. The reception was held on June 29.
According to Godda SP Sanjeev Kumar, “The FIR has been lodged on sexual abuse charges and the investigation is on. After collecting all the evidence, further action will be considered. The police are also probing the cases of sexual abuse. The report will be presented soon."
The State Women Commission had also taken cognisance of the complaint and had written to the DGP to provide security to the girl.