Sanjoj Mishra, director who offered role to viral Mahakumbh girl Monalisa, arrested for rape

New Delhi: Film director Sanoj Mishra, who had announced a film role for Monalisa, the viral sensation from the Maha Kumbh Mela, has been arrested in a rape case. His arrest came after the Delhi High Court rejected his bail application.

The 45-year-old filmmaker was taken into custody by the Nabi Karim Police on March 30, 2025, in Ghaziabad. Mishra, who resides with his family in Mumbai, was apprehended following intelligence gathering and technical surveillance by the Delhi Police.

Serious allegations and police investigation
The case involves a 28-year-old woman from a small town who aspired to become a film actress. She alleged that Mishra repeatedly raped her over four years after luring her with promises of marriage and film opportunities. According to the complaint, she met Mishra through social media in 2020 while living in Jhansi. The director allegedly coerced her into meeting him by threatening suicide.

The victim claimed that on June 18, 2021, Mishra took her to a resort, drugged her and sexually assaulted her. He allegedly recorded objectionable photos and videos to blackmail her into submission. Over the years, he is accused of forcing her into a live-in relationship in Mumbai, assaulting her multiple times, and coercing her into undergoing three abortions.

The alleged ordeal came to light after the victim filed a police complaint on March 6 following an incident on February 18. She claimed Mishra had taken her to a hotel in Nabi Karim, assaulted her and later abandoned her, threatening to leak her private photos and videos if she spoke out.

Arrest and legal action
The Delhi Police registered an FIR under multiple Sections, including rape, assault, causing miscarriage and criminal intimidation. The woman supported her allegations in a statement recorded under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). Medical evidence related to the alleged abortions was also collected from Muzaffarnagar.

Mishra, who had earlier announced that Monalisa would star in his upcoming film The Diary of 2025, was also reportedly giving her acting training. His arrest has drawn attention, given his recent association with the viral Kumbh Mela girl.
With the filmmaker now in custody, further investigations are underway.