AHMEDABAD: The suicide of a 17-year-old girl in Kheda district last year has exposed a case of child marriage, leading to criminal charges against her parents and in-laws under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006.
The girl, Jankikumari Chunara, was found to have died by suicide on June 1, 2024. During the investigation, Matar Police discovered that she was married while underage. Her school leaving certificate from Shree NarNarayan Dev High School in Tranaja stated her date of birth as March 17, 2007, making her 16 years old at the time of her wedding and 17 years, 11 months at the time of death. The girl was a Class-10 dropout.
According to the FIR filed by PSI NJ Panchal, the wedding took place on March 19, 2023, in Machhiyel village. The groom, Anand Chunara, was also found to be a minor, with his date of birth confirmed as Oct 29, 2007, making him 15 years and 5 months old at the time of marriage.
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“Based on birth records, school certificates, photographs and invitation cards, it has been established that both individuals were underage at the time of marriage,” the FIR states. “Therefore, this qualifies as a punishable offence under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act.”
Matar police of Kheda on Monday booked Janki’s parents — Arvind Chunara and Tejal Chunara — and Anand’s parents — Vasant Chunara and Radha Chunara — under Sections 10 and 11 of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 (abetting and promoting child marriage). Earlier last year, Matar police registered an FIR under Sections 108 and 54 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 (abetment to suicide) against her in-laws.
Police sources said the girl was harassed and beaten for dowry and over petty domestic disputes. The priest’s son who performed the ceremony, Akshay Purohit, stated that his late father had officiated the marriage. He also confirmed that the ceremony followed traditional Hindu rites and was not registered with authorities.
The case has been forwarded to the social security officer in Nadiad, who has officially recommended legal action based on the findings.