A missing person case in Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior has taken an unexpected turn after a girl, initially reported by her family as a 19-year-old adult, was found to be a minor following her recovery from Noida. Verification of official documents revealed that the girl is only 17 years old, leading to the exposure of an alleged child marriage and prompting the High Court to order legal action against those responsible.

The incident pertains to the Bahodapur police station area, where the girl's father lodged a missing person complaint on June 12, claiming that his 19-year-old daughter had disappeared from their residence in Sagartal Phase-2. Based on the complaint, police registered a missing report and launched a search operation.

Using surveillance inputs and technical evidence, the police traced the girl to Gautam Buddha Nagar (Noida) in Uttar Pradesh. She was found in the company of a local youth identified as Kishan Khatik, a resident of Bahodapur. The accused was taken into custody and brought back to Gwalior along with the girl.

The case witnessed a major development during court proceedings when authorities verified the girl's educational records and birth certificate. The documents established that she was only 17 years old, making her a minor under the law. This revelation significantly altered the legal nature of the investigation.

During counselling, the girl reportedly told authorities that her father had arranged her marriage against her wishes while she was still underage. She further stated that she did not want to live with her husband or in-laws, which led her to leave home with her neighbour, Kishan Khatik.

Earlier, the girl's father had approached the High Court by filing a habeas corpus petition, alleging police negligence in tracing his daughter. However, after the girl's recovery and the disclosure regarding her age and alleged child marriage, the court directed Bahodapur police to register an FIR against all those involved in solemnising the child marriage within 15 days.

Police have already registered a case against Kishan Khatik under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. He was produced before a court and has been sent to judicial custody.

Meanwhile, investigators have widened the scope of the probe. The girl's parents, her alleged husband, in-laws and any other individuals involved in facilitating or conducting the child marriage are now under investigation. Separate criminal proceedings are expected under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act.

Bahodapur Station House Officer Alok Parihar confirmed that the recovered girl was found to be a minor based on official documents. He said the investigation had established evidence of child marriage and that further legal action would be taken in compliance with the High Court's directions.

The case has once again highlighted concerns over child marriage and the importance of age verification during police investigations. Authorities are expected to complete the investigation and initiate action against all those found responsible under the relevant provisions of law.