In a bizarre statement made at the 'Samaj Sudhar Abhiyan' event in Samastipur, Bihar, the Director-General of Police (DGP) said that girls who marry without their parents' consent are either pushed into flesh trading or are killed.
As per reports, the DGP SK Singhal said, "We have seen cases where girls left their homes for marriage without parents' consent. Many of them get killed while others are forced into the flesh trade. It is parents who pay price for such decisions." He then asked the parents to have regular conversations with their children and teach them good values.
Bihar DGP Statement:
He said, "I request parents to have regular dialogues with their children, teach them good values (sanskar), acknowledge and try to understand their feelings and bind your family firmly." Singhal made these comments at a social reform campaign "Samaj Sudhar Abhiyan" developed by the Chief Minister of Bihar Nitish Kumar. The CM tweeted, "Participated in the social reform campaign in Samastipur on complete de-addiction of alcohol, eradication of dowry system and child marriage in the state."
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Many social media users condemned the statement made by the DGP and said that the officer is essentially telling girls to only marry as per their parents' wish. One user tagged the Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and wrote, "Bihar DGP is advising Bihar girls not to marry on their own, rather marry as per parents wish, encourage dowry and be a house slave for life. We have these kind of Jokers as DGP. where will Bihar go? May be in 17th century."
While another wrote, "I guess DGP Sahab is in 1970s. I can only imagine how daughters of him and his relatives would be living under his fear. Such a shameful comment in this era when girls are empowered, independent and wants to take decision of their life on their own. God save Bihar."
Earlier this year in June, a 17-year-old girl named Sandhya Kumari was allegedly killed by her family members in Ghaghawa Rupai village of Bagaha district in Bihar. The girl had married one Vikash Kushwaha who used to be helper of her brother. Her family members were reportedly against the marriage. The police stated that the family members after killing the girl blamed it on their enemies.