This is the fifth case reported in the month of May, in the State. Laxmi (13) was supposed to be married with Siddappa (17) at Khandratti on Sunday. Preparations for the marriage were over and the ceremony was to be solemnised.

Child Development Project Officer Vijaykumar K H, on receiving the information, rushed to the village along with the Child Marriage Prevention Committee members and halted the marriage. They took the minor girl into their custody and counselled the family members of the bride and the groom.