Kumbh Mela Viral Girl Monalisa in Legal Storm: Husband Booked Under POCSO for Marrying Minor

By New Delhi Chronicle News Desk

April 10, 2026

KHARGONE: The interfaith marriage of Monalisa Bhosle, the “bead seller” who became an overnight internet sensation during the Maha Kumbh Mela, has taken a dramatic legal turn. The Madhya Pradesh Police have registered an FIR against her husband, Farman Khan, after a high-level investigation concluded that Monalisa is legally a minor.

The Investigation and Findings

The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) spearheaded the inquiry following concerns raised about the age of the viral star. The probe, which spanned across Kerala and Madhya Pradesh, uncovered significant discrepancies in the documents used for the wedding.

According to government hospital records from Maheshwar, Monalisa’s actual date of birth is December 30, 2009. This confirms that at the time of her marriage on March 11, 2026, she was only 16 years and 2 months old, falling well below the legal age of consent in India.

Charges Filed Against Farman Khan

Based on these findings, the Khargone Police have booked Farman Khan under several stringent sections:

• POCSO Act: For sexual offences against a minor.

• Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS): For criminal conspiracy and unlawful marriage.

• SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act: Due to Monalisa’s tribal identity as a member of the Pardhi community.

Allegations of Forged Documents

The marriage was solemnized at the Arumanoor Sri Nainaar Deva Temple in Kerala. Investigators revealed that a fraudulent birth certificate, allegedly issued by the Maheshwar Municipality, was used to claim Monalisa was an adult. Authorities have now ordered the immediate cancellation of this forged document.

Political Undercurrents

The case has sparked a political firestorm across regional lines. While some initial reports focused on the couple’s personal narrative of choice, legal experts and tribal rights advocates have highlighted the breach of child protection laws. The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes has summoned the Directors General of Police (DGPs) of both Kerala and Madhya Pradesh to appear at its New Delhi headquarters on April 22 for further clarification.

Editor’s Note: Monalisa had previously defended her marriage in a press conference, claiming she chose to marry Farman of her own free will. However, under Indian law, the consent of a minor in marriage is legally invalid.