Assam: Public outrage sparked as child marriage case threatened to be exposed for bribe comes to light

Corruption within the local administration is obstructing efforts to combat child marriage, as a video of a Child Protection Officer accepting a bribe circulates virally online. 

The incident, which took place in Barzana, Abhayapuri, involved two employees of Bongaigaon's child protection officer's office who threatened to expose a child marriage case. 

The situation was captured on a hidden camera and subsequently spread on social media, causing public outrage. 

The marriage in question was between the son of the late Sarahaf Ali of Barzana and a minor girl. 

Also Read: Assam Lok Sabha election 2024: AIUDF leader Aminul Islam denies alleged meeting with CM, takes legal action

The incident was reported by two employees of the child protection officer's office in the district, Neel Kamal Medhi and Dilwar Hussain, who later visited the groom's house and demanded a bribe of Rs 70,000 under the threat of exposing the child marriage. 

The groom's mother was shown giving the first instalment of ten thousand in the video, followed by a second instalment of Rs 30,000. 

The incident has caused a major uproar in Bongaigaon, particularly as the Chief Minister has taken a stern stance against child marriage, corruption and bribery.