Kumbh Mela viral star writes to Kerala CM seeking protection amid age dispute, POCSO probe

Kochi: The controversy surrounding ‘Kumbh Mela viral star’, has taken a fresh turn after she approached authorities in Kerala seeking protection, even as conflicting claims over her age and an ongoing police investigation from Madhya Pradesh continue to intensify the case. 
Plea for protection in Kerala

On Thursday, she wrote to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Kochi City Police Commissioner Putta Vimaladitya requesting protection. In her appeal, she expressed concern that the Madhya Pradesh Police might attempt to forcibly take her back to her hometown.

In her communication, she maintained that she is 18 years old.

Madhya Pradesh police investigation

Her request comes at a time when a police team from Madhya Pradesh has arrived in Kochi to record statements from her and her husband, Farman Khan. The inquiry relates to a case registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.

The case was initiated following an inquiry by the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, which indicated that she may have been a minor at the time of her marriage. The wedding reportedly took place on March 11 at a temple near Thiruvananthapuram.

Legal relief for husband

Farman Khan has secured interim relief from the Kerala High Court, which has granted him protection from arrest until May 20.

The issue has sparked a political controversy in Kerala. The Bharatiya Janata Party has alleged involvement of leaders from the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist).

State BJP General Secretary S Suresh claimed that the marriage of a minor was facilitated with political backing and called for criminal proceedings against those responsible.

The CPM has denied any role in organising the wedding, stating that its leaders were merely present at the event after being informed about it.

Claims by family and commission findings

Further complications have arisen due to statements made by her mother, Lata Bhosle. She has asserted that her daughter is a minor, born in December 2009, and alleged that she was taken away with promises of a career in films.

Lata Bhosle has also claimed that a forged birth certificate was created to enable the marriage. These allegations are in line with preliminary findings by the Commission.

Documents raise age concerns

Hospital records and other documents reportedly obtained with the assistance of authorities in Madhya Pradesh suggest that she was 16 years old at the time of the marriage. These findings have raised serious legal concerns.

As the matter develops, the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes has summoned senior police officials from both Kerala and Madhya Pradesh to appear in Delhi.

With agency inputs