A major legal controversy has erupted around Monalisa Bhosle, widely known online as the “Kumbh viral girl”, after an investigation by the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) concluded that she was a minor at the time of her marriage earlier this year. Following the findings, a criminal case has been registered against her Muslim husband, Farman Khan, under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
The First Information Report (FIR) was registered at the Maheshwar police station in Khargone district of Madhya Pradesh after the Commission completed its inquiry. The case has since expanded into a multi-state investigation and raised serious concerns over alleged discrepancies in documents used during the marriage registration process.
Inquiry reveals birth record and age discrepancies
Documents examined by the Commission show that Monalisa Bhosle was born on December 30, 2009, at Maheshwar Government Hospital. Based on these records, she was only 16 years and two months old when she married Farman Khan on March 11, 2026.
Doubts regarding her age first surfaced after Advocate Pratham Dubey submitted documents questioning the details recorded during the marriage process. This prompted the NCST to initiate a detailed inquiry.
During the investigation, officials found inconsistencies in documents used for the marriage registration in Kerala. One certificate listed her date of birth as January 1, 2008, which would have made her legally an adult at the time of marriage.
Authorities have now stated that the certificate was not issued through regular procedures. Government officials have begun steps to formally withdraw the disputed document.
Investigators say the difference between the hospital birth record and the certificate used during the marriage registration has become a central focus of the probe.
Monalisa had earlier gained widespread attention on social media during the Maha Kumbh gathering, where her photographs and videos circulated widely online and led to her being popularly referred to as the “viral girl”.
Criminal case registered under multiple laws
Following the Commission’s findings, police registered a case against Farman Khan under several stringent provisions of law. These include the POCSO Act, relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Officials stated that the SC/ST Act was invoked because Monalisa belongs to the Pardhi tribe, which is recognised as a Scheduled Tribe community.
Investigators are now examining whether forged documents were used during the marriage process and whether other individuals may have been involved in preparing or submitting the disputed records.
Authorities indicated that the scope of the investigation may widen as officials verify the authenticity of documents linked to the marriage registration.
NCST summons police chiefs from two states
Taking serious note of the developments, the NCST has summoned the Directors General of Police of Madhya Pradesh and Kerala to appear before the Commission on April 22, 2026.
The move reflects the Commission’s intention to closely monitor the progress of the investigation and ensure accountability in the matter.
With a criminal case now underway and senior police officials called to explain the developments, the controversy has escalated into a significant legal and administrative issue spanning multiple jurisdictions. Authorities have indicated that anyone found responsible for manipulating records or enabling an underage marriage will face strict legal action under the law.
