Madhya Pradesh police suspend search for Kumbh Mela viral star in Kochi

Kochi: The Madhya Pradesh Police team investigating the missing "Kumbh Mela star" has temporarily halted their search operations in Kerala. The team, which included a female Sub-Inspector, reportedly departed from Kochi on Friday evening after failing to locate the young woman and her husband.

The police arrived in the city earlier this week, tracking the couple's mobile tower locations to the areas of Thrikkakara and Kakkanad. Extensive searches were conducted, including at a flat near the NGO Quarters Junction in Kakkanad and surrounding residential premises; however, the couple remained elusive.

The decision to withdraw follows legal complications regarding the arrest of the girl’s husband, Farman Khan. The Kochi City Police Commissioner informed the visiting team that Khan’s anticipatory bail plea is currently pending before the High Court. Furthermore, a court order is in effect which explicitly prohibits Khan’s arrest until May 20 in connection with the marriage case.

While the local police maintained that further information was unavailable, the visiting team reportedly recorded statements from the girl and an alleged facilitator of her marriage to Farman Khan over the phone before their departure.

"The team’s next move will depend entirely on the upcoming proceedings and directives from the Kerala High Court," a source familiar with the investigation stated.

The case has taken a dramatic turn as sources indicate the couple plans to approach the court on Monday. They are expected to seek formal protection, alleging that the Madhya Pradesh Police attempted to take the girl into custody by force.

The investigation remains in flux as authorities await further rulings from the High Court.