72 years old groom arrested for marrying minor girl in Charsadda

Police in Charsadda's Tangi Tehsil have apprehended a 72-year-old man for marrying a 13-year-old girl in Ziarat village.

The arrest occurred during a raid on the wedding ceremony, which also led to the detention of the driver and another accomplice.

Acting on a tip-off, authorities, with the assistance of the ladies' police force, stormed the ceremony. During the operation, they rescued the young bride, who was dressed in her wedding attire and being transported in a car. She has since been placed in protective custody and transferred to Darul Aman, a shelter for women in distress.

According to police reports, the girl's father had allegedly accepted a sum of money in exchange for his daughter's marriage to the elderly man. However, the father managed to flee the scene amidst the chaos of the raid. Authorities are now actively searching for him to ensure he faces legal consequences for his actions.

This incident has sparked outrage and highlighted the urgent need for stricter enforcement of child marriage laws in the region. The local community has expressed shock and dismay, calling for justice and protection for vulnerable children.

Legal experts and human rights advocates are urging the government to take immediate action to prevent such incidents in the future and to provide support and rehabilitation for the affected girl.