Dhubri District Faces Overcrowding Crisis Amid Child Marriage Crackdown

The crackdown on child marriage in Dhubri district has led to a significant increase in arrests, resulting in overcrowding at the local jail. With 54 individuals apprehended in just two days, authorities are seeking to transfer inmates to alleviate the strain on the facility. The situation has put pressure on court operations, requiring additional staff to manage the influx of cases. Special public prosecutor Rituparna Guha emphasizes the need for strict law enforcement and public awareness to combat recurring child marriage incidents. The proposed transfer of inmates to Kokrajhar District Jail could be a vital solution to the overcrowding crisis.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 30, 2026, 12:42 IST

Overcrowding Issues in Dhubri District Jail

AT Photo: Dhubri District Jail

DHUBRI, Oct 30: The recent enforcement against child marriage in Dhubri district has led to significant logistical hurdles for law enforcement, the judiciary, and correctional facilities, as the local jail struggles to manage the increasing number of detainees. Following the filing of 46 cases and the apprehension of 54 individuals on October 27 and 28 across six police stations, jail officials have requested authorization to relocate some inmates to other correctional institutions, with Kokrajhar District Jail being considered as a potential option.

Special public prosecutor Rituparna Guha reported that all individuals arrested in relation to the child marriage incidents were presented before Alhaj Sabeena Mazumder, the additional sessions judge and special judge for POCSO, Dhubri, for legal proceedings.

The sudden surge in detainees placed immense strain on court operations on Tuesday and Wednesday, necessitating support from personnel of other courts to facilitate the proceedings. The court placed 30 individuals in police custody while sending the remaining 24 to judicial custody.

A more pressing issue is the overcrowding at Dhubri District Jail. Guha noted that the facility is currently accommodating 259 inmates beyond its authorized capacity, severely limiting the space available for newly arrested individuals.

Given the circumstances, jail officials have sought permission to transfer inmates to other facilities. Some detainees may be moved to Kokrajhar District Jail, pending necessary arrangements and approvals from relevant authorities.

Guha indicated that 41 cases filed within the jurisdiction of the Dhubri district court had led to 49 individuals being presented before the special POCSO court, with the total figures for October 27 and 28 being 46 cases and 54 arrests.

She expressed appreciation for the cooperation of the court’s administrative staff and local lawyers in managing the unusually high workload. Highlighting the necessity for stringent law enforcement, she remarked that the recurring instances of child marriage emphasize the need for enhanced public awareness alongside legal measures.

The recent events underscore the strain that mass arrests can impose on judicial and correctional systems, especially when numerous accused are brought to court in a short timeframe. With Dhubri District Jail already exceeding its authorized capacity, the proposed transfer of inmates to Kokrajhar could be a crucial step in alleviating the immediate space crisis.