In a coordinated effort by Informal Sector Service Centre (INSEC) and the police, an attempted child marriage involving a 14-year-old girl from Khadachakra Municipality–8, Daslaki, and a 16-year-old boy from Hima Rural Municipality–1, Badki of Jumla District was successfully prevented.
The incident came to light after the boy’s side reportedly took the girl away from her home on the night of May 7, 2026. Following this, INSEC representatives from Kalikot and members of a local campaign against child marriage informed the District Police Office in Kalikot. Coordination between police officials in Kalikot and Jumla, along with INSEC representatives, led to the rescue of the girl on May 8, 2026, and the prevention of the planned marriage.
The girl, who is a student of grade 9, had been taken to the boy’s home in Jumla. Police from the local station conducted a search operation, rescued her, and safely handed her over to her mother before sending her back to Kalikot. It was reported that the boy’s family had planned to formalize the marriage later in the same month.
The girl’s mother expressed gratitude, stating that her daughter was saved from child marriage with the support of INSEC and the police.
The Chief of the District Police Office in Kalikot emphasized that child marriage leads to interrupted education, health risks, mental stress, and domestic violence. He also highlighted the need for cooperation among human rights defenders, journalists, and civil society to eliminate such practices.
According to Nepal’s legal framework under the National Civil Code, 2017, both parties must be at least 20 years old to marry. Any marriage conducted below this age is considered child marriage and is punishable by up to three years of imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs. 30,000.