Phulbani, Jun 15: In a remarkable display of courage and awareness, a college-going minor girl from Odisha's Kandhamal district successfully prevented her own marriage by seeking help from Childline authorities, a source said Monday.

The incident was reported from the Phiringia area of Kandhamal district, where the minor allegedly faced pressure from her family to marry an older man against her wishes.

Minor Reaches Out To Childline
According to Childline member Shiva Shankar Behera, the girl contacted the Childline helpline number 1098 and informed officials that her parents were planning to marry her off to an adult man.

Opposing the proposal, she had left her parental home and taken shelter at her aunt's residence in the Sarangada Police Station limits.

Second Marriage Plan Foiled
However, the girl alleged that another plan was being made at her aunt's house to marry her to her cousin, prompting her to seek immediate intervention from Childline.

Acting swiftly, Childline officials informed Sarangada police and, with police assistance, reached the house where the girl was staying and rescued her.

Shifted To One Stop Centre
The minor was subsequently brought to the One Stop Centre in Phulbani, where she was provided safe shelter.

Officials said she will be produced before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) for rehabilitation and further assistance.

Also Read: 13-Year-Old Girl Gang-Raped After Being Forcibly Taken Away In Odisha's Mayurbhanj District

Courage Wins Praise
The girl's decision to seek help and prevent the marriage herself has drawn appreciation from child rights activists and officials.

The incident has once again highlighted the role of awareness programmes and the Childline 1098 service in preventing child marriages and protecting the rights of minors.