Assam Police Arrests 416 in Third Phase of Child Marriage Crackdown
The Assam government intensifies its campaign to eradicate child marriages by 2025, registering 335 cases and achieving significant reductions in maternal and infant mortality rates.
- The third phase of Assam's crackdown on child marriage began on December 21-22, resulting in 416 arrests and 335 cases registered under relevant laws.
- Since the campaign's launch in February 2023, over 5,800 individuals have been arrested and 5,300 cases registered across three phases.
- Authorities report significant improvements in Assam's maternal and infant mortality rates, which have dropped markedly since the campaign began.
- The latest arrests include men who married underage girls, family members, and two religious leaders accused of facilitating child marriages.
- The state government aims to eliminate child marriage by 2025, citing findings from a national survey showing Assam's high prevalence of underage marriages.
Hindustan Times 
Free Press Journal 
