Bengaluru delivery agent booked for marrying minor girl, now five months pregnant

BENGALURU: Police are looking for a food-delivery agent in his 20s for allegedly marrying a minor girl. She is five months’ pregnant now.

The suspect has been identified as Nataraj, resident of Slum Board in SadaramangalaKadugodi. Based on a complaint filed by the legal officer, district child protection unit Tilakesh Kumar K, Kadugodi police registered a case against Nataraj under sections of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act-2012 and Child Marriage Prohibition Act.

Police also booked the minor girl’s mother and Nataraj’s parents for their alleged role in the offence. “Nataraj is from Tamil Nadu and knew the girl’s family for a long time.

The girl is a school dropout and was in love with Nataraj. After the relationship came to light, their families decided to get them married. However, none of them thought of the legal consequences,” an investigating officer said. In a twist, the marriage made another food-delivery agent unhappy as he wanted to marry the girl.

“The disappointed agent approached the child protection unit and filed a complaint. Based on his statement, officials cross-checked the girl’s age and found she was 17 years and six months old,” the officer added.

Nataraj is absconding and his mobile phone is switched off.