This Kolkata Girl Stopped Child Marriage, Fears Going To School Now

The ill-treatment meted out to this revolutionary 13-year-old girl from Malda district in Kolkata will astound you. Some local people are thwarting her from going to school by assaulting her repeatedly. Her only fault was that she had dared to voice her opinion against child-marriage.

Beauty Khatun had gone to attend a marriage in the neighbourhood when she realized that the to-be-bride was a minor. She immediately informed the police authorities who stopped the marriage and imprisoned everyone associated with the marriage. Inspired by this courageous act, many people residing in the area recognised her as the "Malala of Malda". Her fate, unfortunately, was different from Malala's.

Her audacity to challenge the social norms didn't go down well with those connected with the marriage. The police have released them on bail and now, they are bent upon troubling Beauty. They have stopped her from attending school.

Read Also: Would Be Child Bride, Now School Topper

Beauty is trying to tackle this precarious situation by reading books of Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai who is renowned for her pursuit of helping girls live a life of dignity.

Beauty's mother Jhasi Begum told TOI, "I never imagined my daughter will have to pay such a price for doing noble work."

The Child Welfare Committee has resolved to protect her.

CWC chairperson Chaitali Ghosh says, "It is a shame for us that Beauty came to me crying, seeking protection, when we hold her as a model against child marriage. We shall never tolerate this and will visit her house. I'm also asking the police to take strict action against the accused."

Mamta Banerjee felicitated Beauty on the occasion of Women's Day to honour her brave act. The BDO also acknowledged her efforts at her home on February 24, 2017. It is disheartening to know that despite having such prestigious accolades to her name, the young girl is suffering due to society's rigid norms.

Read Also: Comprehending the risks of child marriage

Charvi Is An Intern With SheThePeople.TV