Five arrested in Andhra Pradesh for solemnising marriage of minor girl

Chittoor police have booked five individuals in connection with the solemnisation of a marriage involving a minor girl in Andhra Pradesh's Chittoor district. The arrests come after police received information from vigilant neighbours who reported the wedding ceremony held on Sunday night. The accused include the groom, his parents, the minor bride's mother and a mediator who allegedly facilitated the match. All five have been taken into custody for further questioning and remanded by authorities. The arrests underscore ongoing concerns about child marriage practices in parts of Andhra Pradesh, despite legal prohibitions under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act. Local police are investigating the circumstances that led to the wedding and whether other individuals were involved in arranging or conducting the ceremony. The case has been registered under relevant sections pertaining to child marriage violations.