Panchayat boycotts family for refusing to marry off minor

A caste panchayat has declared social boycott of a family living in Gudamalani block of Barmer and imposed a fine of `1 lakh for refusing to get a

minor girl married off. On a complaint by the girl’s father, the police are investigating the matter.
Child marriages have been solemnised in western Rajasthan for centuries. The government’s efforts to check them have not been fully successful.
Jetharam, son of Bhikharam, resident of Tejiyawas village under Gudamalani police station area of Barmer had filed a case at Gudamalani police station that he

had done the engagement of his daughter Laheron, 14, with Amara Ram, son of Bhikharam Prajapat, resident of Tejiyawas three years ago. The complainant

said that Bhikharam and his relatives were forcing him to marry off his daughter. Jetharam claimed that his daughter is a minor. He said he is against child

marriage and refused to do so.
The complainant said that after he refused to get his daughter married off, a caste panchayat was organised at Himmataram’s house in Tejiyawas on February

6. In the panchayat, a total of 22 members including Urjaram, Bhiyanram, Bharuram, Motaram, Kanaram, were present.
The complainant said that the panchayat members forced him to go ahead with the child marriage. And when he refused, the panchayat announced boycott of

his family. He said the panchayat declared that no one from their community should contact the family.
Mularam, assistant sub-inspector at Gudamalani police station said that on directions of a local court, they have filed a case and are investigating the matter.

Police have not made any arrests yet.