Kumbh Mela 'viral star' marriage row: Kerala Police halts arrest amid MP probe
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Kochi: Kochi City Police have ruled out arresting the minor girl at the heart of the 'viral' Kumbh Mela star Monalisa Bhosle's marriage controversy, citing a court order—despite an ongoing Madhya Pradesh Police investigation.
The directive has been relayed to MP authorities, with Kochi officials extending only routine inter-state cooperation. "There is a clear court order that the girl should not be arrested and it has been told to the concerned authorities," one said. Monalisa has requested protection, but no decision has been made.
An MP Police team in Kochi has searched multiple sites without locating her, prioritising a statement over custody. However, arrest remains possible given the kidnapping case against her husband, Farman Khan, in Madhya Pradesh.
The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes confirmed Monalisa was 16 years and two months old at marriage, using a forged birth certificate. Hospital records list her birth as 30 December 2009, prompting POCSO Act charges against Khan.
The Commission has summoned Kerala DGP Ravada A. Chandrasekhar and MP DGP Kailash Makwana to Delhi, underscoring enforcement gaps in inter-state minor protection.
(Inputs from IANS)