Idukki: The Social Welfare Department has unearthed a child marriage at Idamalakkudi panchayat here. As per sources, a 47-year-old man married a 16-year-old.

The man is married and is the father of two children.

As per the tip-off they received, Social Welfare Department officials arrived and investigated it further. 

But by the time they reached the area, both of them had escaped. Taluk-level officials of the Social Welfare Department said a report has been submitted to the District Child Welfare Committee (CWC) regarding the incident.

As per the report, placed before the committee, the marriage took place a month ago between a 16-year-old girl and a 47-year-old man, both belonging to the Muthuvan tribe.

The wedding took place with the knowledge and consent of the girl's parents -- her mother and stepfather -- and she was living with the 47-year-old man, according to the report.

"Based on that, the CWC directed Munnar police to rescue the girl and produce her before the committee after carrying out the necessary legal procedures like her medical check-up, recording her statement under Section 164 CrPC and lodging a case under the relevant provisions of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012," said the Idukki CWC chairperson.