BATKHELA: The court of civil judge-cum-judicial magistrate here on Thursday sent five persons including bridegroom to jail on judicial remand in an underage marriage case.

According to reports, Dargai Levies arrested 45-year-old bridegroom Subhanuddin, a cleric and two witnesses Zahir Shah and Masood for solemnising the marriage of an 11-year-old girl. The complaint was reportedly lodged by the first wife of the bridegroom at the Levies post.

The detainees also included the minor girl and her grandfather Arsalan Khan. The judge sent five of them to jail on judicial remand.

According to Dargai Levies, the mother of the girl died seven years ago while her father Mohammad Nawab passed away few days back after protracted illness.

The report said that Subhanuddin had lent money to Mohammad Nawab for his treatment.

However, after the death of Nawab, he started demanding his money. He forced the family to marry off the girl to him.

Published in Dawn, February 21st, 2020