KIDNAPPING IN INDIA.

South Canterbury Times, Volume XV, Issue 2072, 12 November 1879, Page 3

KIDNAPPING IN INDIA.

The number of offences reported in Oudh during the past year was the highest ever reached in that province, and the Judicial Commissioner in his report refers to the fact as a proof of the correctness of the theory that an increase in petty crimes against property is the inevitable concomitant of a year of food scarcity in India. A large number of trials for kidnapping were held, but in these cases there is seldom any criminal intent. The Judical Commissioner remarks thatunless the girls said to be kidnapped had been carefully instructed in their own homes as to their bearing in their new homes it is incredible that they would remain silent till the marriage arrangements are comfleted and consummated. The fact is, believe, in nine cases out of ten that one of the girl's family who bas not bad what he or she thinks a fair share of the Spoils, gives information somewhere, whichnecessarily destroys secrecy or that the young bride in her first quarrel with her ” elderly bridegroom, or with the females of his family, lets out in desperation the disgrace-that she has brought on them. Then all concerned strive to prevent the cast fine by appealing to the Government police and the Indian penal code, some old hag being often paid to take the role of kidnapper.”