What started as a viral love story from the Maha Kumbh has taken a shocking turn after Monalisa was found to be a minor, with her husband Farman Khan now facing a POCSO case.
Prayagraj/New Delhi: What began as a viral internet sensation has now spiralled into a major legal controversy.
Monalisa, the bead seller who captured hearts at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj and became an overnight social media star, is a minor, triggering serious legal action against her husband, Farman Khan.
Also Read
The shocking revelation came after an inquiry by the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST), which confirmed that Monalisa was underage at the time of her marriage.
Following the findings, an FIR has been registered against Khan under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act at Maheshwar police station in Madhya Pradesh’s Khargone district.
Monalisa had recently married Khan in what was seen as a union that transcended religion. However, the case took a dramatic turn when allegations surfaced questioning her age.
Acting on the complaint, the NCST launched a detailed investigation spanning Kerala and Madhya Pradesh.
The probe, led under the supervision of NCST chairman Antar Singh Arya, found that Monalisa belongs to the Pardhi tribal community and is a minor.
According to official hospital records from Maheshwar, she was born on December 30, 2009, making her just over 16-years old at the time of her marriage on March 11, 2026.
Investigators also uncovered that the marriage was conducted in Kerala using a fake birth certificate that falsely projected her as an adult.
Authorities have since ordered the cancellation of the forged document, exposing what officials describe as a deliberate attempt to misrepresent her age.
The investigation further revealed that the marriage was registered at a local gram panchayat office in Kerala based on the fabricated documents.
Temple authorities where the marriage took place reportedly relied on Aadhaar details provided by the couple.
Following these findings, police have invoked multiple charges against Khan, including provisions under the POCSO Act, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, given Monalisa’s tribal background.
The case has also drawn political attention, with allegations of involvement of certain organisations and individuals, though these claims are yet to be independently verified.
The NCST has issued summons to the Directors General of Police of both Kerala and Madhya Pradesh, directing them to appear before the commission in New Delhi on April 22.
The commission has also sought detailed progress reports every three days and assured strict monitoring of the case.
What once appeared to be a heartwarming viral story has now turned into a complex legal battle, raising serious questions about documentation, accountability, and the protection of minors.
Published: 10 Apr 2026, 11:03 am IST
Related Topics
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Disclaimer: Kindly avoid objectionable, derogatory, unlawful and lewd comments, while responding to reports. Such comments are punishable under cyber laws. Please keep away from personal attacks. The opinions expressed here are the personal opinions of readers and not that of Mathrubhumi.