Kumbh Mela star's marriage: Kerala Police says case will be filed if valid documents are received
New Delhi: Kerala Police have indicated that a case may be registered over the marriage of a minor girl who went viral during the Kumbh Mela, subject to the availability of valid documents. The development was conveyed during a sitting of the National Scheduled Tribe Commission, according to the complainant’s advocate.
Police position and commission proceedings
Advocate Pratham Dubey said the Commission was informed that legal action could follow if supporting documents are produced. He added that the Commission had directed action under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Kerala Police had earlier maintained that there was no lapse on their part. Officials stated that assistance for the marriage was extended only after verifying the authenticity of documents submitted by the girl.
The Commission has since placed its findings before officials of both Kerala and Madhya Pradesh police. Following this, Kerala Police indicated that a case could be registered against Farman Khan if valid documents are obtained.
In the backdrop of the Thrissur incident, Thiruvananthapuram Range DIG J. Himendranath appeared before the Commission on behalf of Kerala Police, in place of DGP Ravada Chandrasekhar. The Commission’s sitting concluded on Wednesday.
Marriage details and age findings
The marriage between the girl and Khan took place on March 11 at Arumanur temple near Poovar. The National Scheduled Tribe Commission found that the girl was 16 years and two months old at the time of the marriage.
Citing hospital records, the Commission stated that a fake certificate had been created for the marriage.
Girl’s statement to police
The girl, who had travelled to Kerala for film shooting, later reached Thampanoor police station along with her colleague Khan. She told police that her father was forcing her to marry her paternal aunt’s son.
She also stated that she had decided to marry her colleague who accompanied her.