6 booked over minor girl’s marriage

Lucknow: Basti police have registered an FIR against six people, including a priest, for their involvement in the marriage of a minor girl at Kali Mata temple in Padri village on Aug 24.The minor, identified as 16-year-old Shivangi Gaur, was married to 21-year-old Nitesh Gaur, a resident of Gulriya Sirma village. The ceremony was conducted by priest Purushottam Mishra, with the full consent of the girl's family. The case was brought to light by Jagai, son of Gangaram, who serves as the village watchman in Padri. In his complaint, Jagai submitted that the bride was underage. Following the complaint, police have registered a case under Sections 9, 10, and 11 of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act. The accused include the groom, Nitesh Gaur, his parents Rakesh Gaur and Sunita Devi, the bride's parents Phoolchand Gaur and Chouna Devi, and the officiating priest, Purushottam Mishra. SO Munderwa, Pradeep Singh told TOI that all accused have been served a notice. SP, Basti, Abhinandan reiterated that organizing or supporting child marriage is a punishable offence.