A team of police and human rights activists arrived at the marriage venue on Saturday upon knowing that Laxmi Damai (14), the daughter of Bhim Bahadur Damai of Geta VDC-6, has not reached marriageable age and prevented the girl from going to her in-laws’ house.[break]
A complaint filed at Area Police Office, Malakheti, against the scheduled marriage between Laxmi and Padam Nepali (16) of Sripur-6 in the district prompted police and Maiti Nepal officials to swing into action.
By the time police and rights activists had reached the marriage venue, all marriage rituals were already performed, including putting of vermilion powder on the parting line of Laxmi’s hair - the most important part of the marriage ceremony.
Police and the activists later mediated a written agreement between the bride’s side and bridegroom’s side, compelling them to allow Laxmi to stay under the protection of Maiti Nepal.
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