Monalisa Bhosle from Madhya Pradesh's Khargone, who went viral during the Prayagraj Kumbh, recently got married to her boyfriend Farman Khan in Kerala, whom she met online. The viral girl eloped from her house as her parents were against the marriage owing to religious differences. Despite all this, she went ahead and married. Post this, controversy erupted, and multiple statements were shared by Monalisa.
Monalisa's husband, Farman Khan, married her as per Hindu rituals and customs.
And now, what began as a viral internet sensation has turned into a major legal controversy.
As per reports, an inquiry was held by the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST), which confirmed that Monalisa was underage at the time of her marriage. Records show she was around 16 when she married Farman Khan in Kerala. Police have registered an FIR, citing discrepancies in documents and possible legal violations.
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. Investigators also uncovered that the marriage was conducted in Kerala using a fake birth certificate that falsely projected her as an adult.
The investigation further revealed that the marriage was registered at a local gram panchayat office in Kerala based on 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 Farman 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.
#BigNews | Viral Kumbh Girl Monalisa Identified as Minor, Husband Booked Under POCSO
— Organiser Weekly (@eOrganiser) April 10, 2026
A case has been registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act after authorities determined that a girl who gained attention during the Kumbh is a minor. Police have named… pic.twitter.com/bryXssijaD
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 and legal oversight.
