700 child marriages in Karnataka during 2024-25: CM Siddaramaiah slams officials over lapses
Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has strongly criticised senior district officials after the state reported a shocking 700 child marriages during the 2024–25 period, with five districts alone accounting for over 50% of these cases. The Chief Minister’s remarks came during a recent two-day review meeting with Deputy Commissioners (DCs), Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), Superintendents of Police (SPs), and other senior administrators.
He mentioned that a total of 3,049 child marriages were attempted during the year 2024–25. While 2,349 were successfully prevented, 700 were solemnised, leading in some instances to teenage pregnancies and motherhood, as reported by Deccan Herald on Saturday.
"Even after decades of Independence, 700 child marriages in a year is a shocking statistic,” Siddaramaiah said, stressing that poor implementation of existing laws in certain regions is unacceptable.
The Chief Minister expressed disappointment at the apparent administrative lapses, questioning the vigilance of district officials. “If you do not know what is happening in your districts, it raises questions about your efficiency. Are your subordinates afraid to report such cases, or do they simply not care,” DH quoted Siddaramaiah as saying.
The situation is compounded by a surge in teenage pregnancies linked to cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act. According to the data presented by the Women and Child Development Department, out of 3,489 Pocso cases reported in 2024-25, 685 involved pregnancies among minor girls.
The districts of Shivamogga (79 cases), Belagavi (78), Chitradurga (74), Bagalkote (63), and Mysuru (60) emerged as the worst-affected, together contributing to more than half of the total child marriages reported across the state.
Siddaramaiah asserted that the continued prevalence of child marriages and teenage pregnancies in Karnataka is deeply concerning and demanded stringent legal actions to ensure that offenders are held accountable.
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Oppn, X users flag concerns over US envoy Sergio Gor’s visit to Army’s western command
New Delhi: A visit by the US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, to Chandigarh on Monday has triggered sharp criticism from opposition leaders and social media users, raising questions about national security and foreign policy.
On X, Ambassador Gor announced his visit, writing, “Just landed in Chandigarh. Looking forward to visiting the Western Command of the Indian Army.”
Just landed in Chandigarh. Looking forward to visiting the Western Command of the Indian Army
— Ambassador Sergio Gor (@USAmbIndia) February 16, 2026
Soon after, opposition voices questioned the broader implications of the visit. Congress Kerala, in a post, commented, “Why so much panic? We’ve already seen Pakistan's ISI getting access to Pathankot Airbase with this government's blessings. Didn't they say then ‘Modi ne kiya ho to kuch soch samajh kar kiya hoga?’ Compared to that, this is very small.”
Why so much panic? We’ve already seen Pakistan's ISI getting access to Pathankot Airbase with this government's blessings.
— Congress Kerala (@INCKerala) February 16, 2026
Didn't they say then "Modi ne kiya ho to kuch soch samajh kar kiya hoga?"
Compared to that, this is very small. pic.twitter.com/gNNuAGQBPC
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi also weighed in, writing, “Since India’s national strategic interests are now tied to what US wants India to do, this visit seems to sync with that.”
She further added, “India’s history will remember the de-escalation announcement between India and Pak was announced on social media by the US President before Indians got to know from their own government. US Ambassador is doing the job for his nation, who is doing for us? The answer is blowing in the wind.”
Since India’s national strategic interests are now tied to what US wants India to do, this visit seems to sync with that. India’s history will remember the de-escalation announcement between India and Pak was announced on social media by the US President before Indians got to… pic.twitter.com/rYMq5NhJHA
— Priyanka Chaturvedi🇮🇳 (@priyankac19) February 16, 2026
The visit comes against the backdrop of the growing US-India defence partnership.
Writer and political analyst @rajuparulekar commented on ‘X’, “East India Company is back!”
“Is it allowed for an ambassador to visit any army unit in india?” asked another user.
Several X users expressed concerns over the appropriateness of the visit.
One asked, “Is it allowed for an ambassador to visit any army unit in India?” Another wrote, “Why an ambassador visiting our army places? To talk to Chandigarh lobby for F-35?”
Why an ambassador visiting our army places ? To talk to chandigarh lobby for f-35 ??
— Rohan Sagar (@RohanSagar03) February 16, 2026
“We have completely sold Indian sovereignty. Rothschild the evil Bankers will now control NSE. Modi sold Bharat Mata to Trump . And now American imperialist is visiting our army command . Scary,” wrote another user.
“The Indian Army isn’t part of geopolitics, so why is he interested in visiting there?,” opined another.
The Indian Army isn’t part of geopolitics, so why is he interested in visiting there?
— Aditya Pratap Singh (@Adi_IIMCIAN) February 16, 2026
On Sunday, Gor welcomed Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), highlighting efforts to expand the growing US-India defence partnership.
In a post on X, Gor wrote, “Delighted to have @INDOPACOM Commander Admiral Samuel Paparo in India to expand the U.S.-India defense partnership. Now is the time to strengthen vital cooperation between our two nations.”
On Monday, Admiral Samuel J. Paparo Jr visited the headquarters of India’s Western Army Command along with the American envoy Sergio Gor. The delegation was briefed on the formation’s capabilities, its past operations, and future plans.
The American delegation also visited Bengaluru, where they met three start-ups, two in the space sector and one in defence, and participated in an Indo-US conference.
