Keonjhar: Town police have arrested a 24-year-old man for allegedly abducting and marrying a 15-year-old tribal girl. The accused, a resident of Keonjhar town, was arrested under Posco Act and SC/ST Act.According to the complaint by her family member, the accused allegedly took the minor from her home in 2024 on the pretext of marrying her and kept her away from her family for about 15 days. During this period, he allegedly had a physical relationship with her. The complaint claimed the accused later married the girl.Police said the girl subsequently gave birth to a child. The complaint further alleged that the accused, who is from a different community, subjected her to physical abuse and repeatedly drove her out of the house. Owing to her family’s poor financial condition and concerns about her child’s future, she allegedly did not raise objections earlier.The FIR stated that on July 15, the accused and his family members allegedly assaulted the girl and forced her out of the house. Carrying her child, she returned to her parental home.On Wednesday morning, the girl’s brother accompanied her to the accused’s residence, where they were allegedly assaulted, abused and threatened. They were also warned of dire consequences if they returned.The complaint further stated that a woman present in the house claimed to be married to the accused and asked the girl to leave. Fearing for their safety, the girl and her brother left the place.Town police station IIC Srikant Sahu said the accused has been arrested under provisions of the Posco and SC/ST Acts. Further investigation is underway.