Bhubaneswar, Dec 4: A child marriage attempt was successfully thwarted in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday, thanks to a surprise raid by the Ruchika Social Welfare Organisation.

Acting on credible information, the organization intervened at the Khandual Temple near Sarakantara village, under the jurisdiction of the Khandagiri Police Station, where preparations were underway to marry off a 16-year-old girl to a man from Nayagarh.

According to sources, a wedding tent had already been set up, and arrangements for the reception were in progress when the organization stepped in and stopped the ceremony. In the aftermath, the girl's family allegedly moved her to an undisclosed location, sparking fears for her safety.

The local police have launched an extensive search operation to locate both the girl and the groom. Several family members have been taken into custody for questioning as authorities work to uncover those responsible for orchestrating the illegal marriage and hiding the girl. Interrogations are ongoing to identify the individuals involved in facilitating the ceremony.