A jirga forcibly remarried an already-married Hindu girl to a 56-year-old man in Katayari village in Tharparkar.
Wadia Bai Meghwar and her cousin Suresh had contracted a marriage of their free will in a Karachi court on May 4. A few days later, however, a notable from Thar’s Arbab family took Wadia from their home, promising to marry the couple in a traditional wedding.
“But instead of handing her to me, her brother Gayanchand Meghwar married her off to an old man,” said Suresh.
His wife has been married to Chetan Meghwar, who Suresh estimates to be 56 years old.
Inspector General (IG) Sindh AD Khawaja, taking notice of the incident ordered an inquiry and recovery of the girl.
“The girl’s brother and other relatives have been arrested in a raid on Friday, and an investigation into the matter is underway,” said DSP Mithi Bilawal Haq Mehar.
He added that senior police officials have ordered the girl be recovered and produced in court as soon as possible.
Local activists called for a thorough inquiry into the jirga and the Hindu girl’s forced remarriage, demanding severe action against all those involved under the recently-enacted Hindu Marriage Act and other laws to save the young girl.
