14-year-old girl forced to marry man double her age, dragged away against will in Tamil Nadu

A 14-year-old girl from Thimmattur village near Hosur was forcibly married to a 30-year-old man and later dragged away against her will. The incident, which took place on March 3, came to light after a viral video showed the girl crying for help as she was taken away. Police arrested five people, including her parents and in-laws, under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act and the POCSO Act.

The minor, a Class 7 school dropout, was married to Madesh (30), a daily wage laborer from Kalikuttai. The ceremony was reportedly conducted in Bengaluru with the involvement of the girl's mother, Nagamma. After the wedding, the girl refused to go to Madesh’s house and instead stayed with her grandmother in Thimmattur. On March 6, Madesh, along with his brother Mallesh (38), allegedly forced her to leave as she resisted.

Eyewitnesses recorded the incident and shared the video, which led to public outrage. The girl’s grandmother, who opposed the marriage, filed a complaint with the Tenkanikottai All Women Police. Authorities swiftly arrested Madesh, Mallesh, and Nagamma, followed by the girl’s father, Muniyappa, and sister-in-law, Muniyammal, on March 6. All five accused were sent to Salem Jail, and police confirmed that a detailed investigation is underway.

Officials stated that child marriages continue to be reported in the hill villages near Hosur, including Onnepuram, Siddappanur, Chikkamanji, and Kiriyanur, despite awareness campaigns. Law enforcement has urged local communities to report such incidents immediately. Further legal action is expected following the ongoing investigation.

The case has been registered under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Authorities are verifying if more individuals were involved in organizing the marriage. The police have assured strict action against anyone found guilty of violating child protection laws.