Pushed into marriage, minor seeks police help

MADURAI: A 14-year-old girl approached the Inspector General of Police (IGP) here on Monday alleging that she was being forced into marriage by her father. She requested that she be allowed to continue her studies.According to police sources, A Idaya was adopted by her father’s elder brother, Anbalagan in Alagappan Nagar, when she was 30 days old. She completed her Class XI education from a school in Thanjavur.Her biological father, Ravichandran, who is a contractor, obtained her transfer certificate from her school and was forcing her into marriage, she charged. During an inquiry at the  Subramaniyapuram police station here on June 18, she was allegedly threatened by  Sub-Inspector Shobana to toe in line with her father’s order. Her advocate was reportedly not allowed to accompany the girl during the inquiry. The police official also warned the girl that her upper garment would be taken off and a ganja peddling case would be booked against her, the petition to the IGP said. The girl also asked the police to help her retrieve her school transfer certificate and to pursue her education. She also sought that the police give sufficient protection to her guardians who had been taking care of her since childhood.She was escorted by her advocate Senthilnathan who briefed the media. After a long wait at the IGP’s office, the petitioners submitted the plea to the office of M N Manjunatha, IGP, South Zone, for action and left.