‘I have WhatsApp messages’: Ex-husband accuses Mary Kom of affair since 2013
Mary Kom’s estranged husband Karung Onkholer, also known as Onler, has publicly denied her allegations of financial wrongdoing and alleged she was involved in extramarital relationships dating back to 2013, claiming he has WhatsApp messages as proof.
In an exclusive interaction with IANS, Karung Onkholer rejected Olympic bronze medallist Mary Kom’s claims that she was cheated out of crores of rupees and deprived of land purchased with her own money, calling the allegations false and defamatory. He countered by alleging that the breakdown of their marriage began more than a decade ago due to her alleged extramarital relationships.
Onler claimed that in 2013 Mary Kom was involved in an affair with a junior boxer, which led to serious disputes between their families before a compromise was reached. He further alleged that since 2017 she has been in a relationship with a person associated with the Mary Kom Boxing Academy, stating that he possesses WhatsApp messages identifying the individual concerned. He said he chose to remain silent at the time.
He said he does not object to Mary Kom moving on after their separation but strongly objected to being publicly blamed. He questioned allegations that he siphoned off money or unlawfully held property, arguing that his current living situation contradicts claims that he possesses large sums. He said he is living in a rented house in Delhi and challenged Mary Kom to produce documentary evidence to support her allegations.
Onler also addressed references made by Mary Kom at the Lok Adalat, denying claims that he took loans worth crores or stole property. He said any money borrowed during election periods came from friends and reiterated that if property were in his name, corresponding documents would exist. He added that they obtained a customary divorce and are yet to complete court proceedings, stating he wished to avoid prolonged litigation for the sake of their children.
Speaking about their family, Onler said he supported Mary Kom through various phases of her career and personal life and expressed distress over the impact of the dispute on their children, who are currently in boarding school. He also rejected allegations about his personal habits, saying such matters had been exaggerated and unfairly aired in public.
He further alleged that despite sustaining injuries ahead of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, Mary Kom travelled to Mumbai and continued a relationship, again claiming to have proof.
Mary Kom and Karung Onkholer married in 2005, have four children, and divorced in 2023.
(With IANS inputs)