A Daughter, a Dream, and Damini Marshall: Preventing Child Marriage in Pune

Shivajinagar, 2nd October 2025: In a heartening example of community policing and proactive intervention, Shivajinagar Damini Marshall recently helped prevent the child marriage of a 7th-grade student whose family had been considering withdrawing her from school due to financial hardship.

The case came to light when teachers at a local school in the Shivajinagar police station limits reported that the girl had not attended school for 8–10 days. From her friends, they learnt that her family planned to get her married soon. Concerned, they reached out to the Damini Marshall unit for assistance. Constable Sonali Hinge was immediately dispatched to investigate the situation.

“The teachers told us that the girl is very smart and has great potential. They asked if we could help ensure she continues her studies,” said Hinge. Acting on the concern, Hinge, along with teachers, visited the girl’s home.

The family, wage labourers with four daughters, admitted that financial constraints had led relatives to advise them to marry off the eldest daughter instead of continuing her education. The girl had been kept at home for several days under this plan.

Upon meeting the family, Hinge and the female teachers explained the importance of education and the long-term consequences of child marriage. “We told them that education can change generations and that marrying the girl at a young age could result in legal action against the parents,” Hinge said.

The emotional appeal moved both the girl and her father. The girl reportedly cried, “Please don’t take my papa away,” prompting her father to reconsider his decision. Realizing the impact on his daughter’s future, he vowed to work harder to support her education and that of his other daughters, assuring that none would be married off until they completed their schooling and gained employment.

Senior Police Inspector Mahesh Bolkotgi, in-charge of Shivajinagar Police Station, Pune City Police, praised the intervention: “This is another example of how Damini Marshall officers are not just enforcing the law but actively protecting children and empowering families to make the right choices for their future.”

The family expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Damini Marshall team, Pune Police, and the school staff for their support in ensuring the girl’s continued education.