NGO tried to stall child marriage in Kolkata, faces backlash by mob

An angry mob laid waste to the office of an NGO, in Kolkata’s Rajabazar after members of the organisation interrupted a child marriage from proceeding on Sunday, January 14. Allegedly, the crowd also harassed and threatened one Shahina Javed, who is the founder of the NGO.

On Sunday, Childline was informed about the marriage of a 16-year-old girl from Rajabazar by some locals. After police intervention, an angry mob of nearly 200 persons assembled outside the office of Roshni Youth Group. Reportedly, the mob then moved to the residence of Javed, who is the NGO’s founder, and proceeded to abuse and threaten her.

The Roshni Youth Group has been known in the locality for their advocacy for the rights of women in minority. According to a TOI report, Javed has been a controversial figure in the area. Incidentally, she had faced some backlash for having organised a girls’ football tournament some time back.

The minor, who was about to be married, had been a member of the NGO and was a regular participant in the organisation’s activities and workshops. However, about a year ago, the girl’s parents had allegedly tried to marry her off. The Roshni Youth Group stalled the marriage following which, the girl stopped participating in NGO activities and was also allegedly pulled out of school.

An FIR has been filed against the mob at the Narkeldanga police station.

Source: The Times of India