HYDERABAD, Sept 21: On the directives of Larkana bench of Sindh High Court, the Bhitai Nagar police have recovered a minor girl, who was sold for Rs85,000 and subsequently married to even a younger and crippled boy.

The girl namely Shahnaz is stated to be resident of Gul Mohammad Khoso Village in the Ratodero area of district Larkana. She was brought to Bhittai Nagar area by one Qalandar Bux Siyal, who claimed that he had purchased the girl from her brother Ismail a fortnight back. He said that the girl was living with him and she had been married to his son, Sajjad, who is physically handicapped.

Qalandar Bux said that girl’s family was demanding another Rs40,000 and when he failed to pay the amount, her brother filed a case which led to the police action. He said that Nikkah of minor couple was solemnised and relatives of girl also attended the marriage ceremony. Video film of the ceremony, he said, was also available.

SHO Bhittai Nagar police said that no one was arrested from among Qalandar Bux’s family because the court order only required recovery and production of the girl. Police said that if court called for arrests of accused they would be arrested.