The news of marriage of an underage girl after coercion and torture, allegedly by a policeman, is deplorable. Reportedly, a wireless operator of Dinajpur Kotwali police station picked up a 16-year-old girl on her way to tuition and beat her after putting her in confinement. There were injury marks on her body, and she had to be admitted to a hospital. Surprisingly, when the girl's father went to the police station to file a case the police officials put pressure on him to settle the matter by marrying off his daughter to the perpetrator. The helpless father had to concede to the proposal, and later the marriage was held in secrecy against the will of the girl.

Forcing a child in marriage is a serious offence according to the law of the land. We wonder how the police officials asked the victim's father to find an amicable solution instead of taking action against the offender and preventing an underage marriage. It is totally unacceptable. In cases of violence against women and children, we often see perpetrators evade punishment by forcing victims to settle the issue outside the legal framework. It only encourages criminals to do more mischief. 

We are happy to note that the policeman has been withdrawn from duty, but we would like the authorities to seriously look into the issue and take stern action against the alleged culprit. The role of the officials of the police station is also questionable. They should be made to account for their role in the illegal marriage.