Missing minor girl traced in Karimnagar

Warangal: The police on Thursday traced out the missing minor girl, who eloped with her lover in Karimnagar. The police shifted the 14-year-old Rayarakula Anjali, a native of Kodishalakunta under Mulugu mandal, to the Swadhar Shelter Home as per the directions of the district Child Welfare Committee (CWC).

According to the police, Anjali and Vara Prasad, aged around 15 years, of Bhupath Mallampally village under Duggondi mandal in Warangal Rural district, were taking shelter at the residence of the latter's friend Suresh, in Karimnagar.

It may be recalled here that Anjali, who is studying Class IX in TW Ashram High School at Muduchekkalapally village under Nallabelly mandal, and Vara Prasad, who works as an auto driver, have been missing since March 9. Against this backdrop, the duo's photo went viral on social media on Wednesday. In the photo, she was seen with mangal sutra, indicating that they got married to each other. It's learnt that they got married in a temple in Karimnagar.

Meanwhile, the police started investigation based on the complaint lodged by the parents of Anjali and tracked the mobile phone of the girl. When the police contacted Vara Prasad's friend Suresh, the latter admitted that the duo was with him and said that he has no knowledge about Anjali-Vara Prasad's wedding. After Suresh revealing the location, the police and Anjali's parents were able to catch the duo. The district child protection unit (DCPU) took possession of the girl and shifted her to the Swadhar Shelter Home in Hanamkonda for counselling and medical tests. The boy will be produced before the Juvenile Justice Board, it's learnt.

Warangal Rural District Child Protection Officer (DCPO) G Mahender Reddy said:" "We have counselled the girl and her parents. If required, we will make arrangements for the girl to appear for her annual examinations."

It may be noted here that Warangal Rural

District Collector

M Haritha, who had seen the duo's pic going viral on the social networking sites, had alerted the officials concerned to initiate swift action.