Savadatti records highest number of child marriage complaints
Belagavi: Savadatti taluk, already known for its association with the devadasi system, has now gained attention for another social issue: child marriage. Despite efforts to curb the devadasi practice, the Women and Child Welfare Department has reported a surge in child marriage complaints from the region.
Between April and July 2024, Savadatti recorded the highest number of child marriage cases in Belagavi district, with 26 out of a total of 83 complaints across the district's 14 taluks. The district's Child Protection Cell managed to rescue 23 girls in Savadatti, but three cases proceeded despite their efforts, leading to FIRs being filed against the families involved.
District Child Protection Officer (DCPO) Lokesh Jagalur noted that, while legal awareness has been spread in the area, child marriages continue, particularly in tandas and among migrant working-class families. Gokak taluk reported the second-highest number of cases, with 15 complaints and successful rescues in all instances.
In total, the department rescued 68 girls and eight underage boys from child marriages across the district in the past four months. FIRs were registered in seven cases where marriages had already taken place. Jagalur highlighted that child marriages are often conducted using secretive methods, including "Yadi Pe Shadi" (stamp paper agreements) and "Godhooli marriages" (midnight weddings), making it challenging for authorities to intervene.
Local anganwadi workers and community members have played a crucial role in providing information that has led to the rescue of these children.
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Allen, Raghuvanshi, Green power KKR to 29-run win over GT
Kolkata (PTI): Finn Allen blasted a 35-ball 93, while Angkrish Raghuvanshi hit an unbeaten 44-ball 82 as Kolkata Knight Riders kept their playoff hopes alive with a 29-run win over Gujarat Titans in the IPL match here on Saturday.
Sent in to bat, Allen went on a six-hitting spree, smashing 10 maximums and four boundaries to add 95 off 41 balls with Raghuvanshi (82).
Raghuvanshi then shared another 108 off 53 balls with Cameron Green (52 not out) to power KKR to a challenging 247 for 2.
In reply, GT could manage 218-4, riding on skipper Shubman Gill's 49-ball 85 and a 35-ball 57 from Jos Buttler. Opener Sai Sudarsan was retired hurt but returned to make a 28-ball 53 not out.
Sunil Narine (2/29) claimed two wickets and Saurabh Dubey snapped one for KKR.
For GT, Mohammed Siraj (1/50), Sai Kishore (1/38) were the wicket-takers.
Brief Score:
KKR: 247 for 2 in 20 overs (Finn Allen 93, Angkrish Raghuvanshi 82 not out, Camero Green 52 not out; Mohammed Siraj 1/50).
GT: 218 for 4 in 20 overs (Shubman Gill 85, Sunil Narine 2/29).
