Monalisa, famously recognized as the “Mahakumbh viral girl,” has returned to the spotlight following her marriage with a Muslim man, which gained widespread attention. The Khargone Police in Madhya Pradesh has initiated legal action against her husband, Farman, after confirming that she is a minor. Charges have been filed against him under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Official hospital records have revealed that Monalisa was born on December 30, 2009, indicating that she was 16 years, 2 months, and 12 days old at the time of her marriage on March 11 this year. Monalisa, belonging to the Pardhi tribal community, gained prominence during the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, where she was captured selling rudraksh garlands. A video showcasing her activities went viral on social media, catapulting her to internet stardom.
The investigation into the matter commenced at the Nainar Deva Temple in Kerala, where the marriage took place. The temple administration stated that the ceremony was conducted based on the ages mentioned in the couple’s Aadhaar cards. Subsequently, the marriage was registered at a Gram Panchayat office using a birth certificate that was later found to be falsified by the probe team.
The fraudulent document issued by the Maheshwar Municipality indicated Monalisa’s date of birth as January 1, 2008, contradicting the government hospital records. The National Commission for Scheduled Tribe has instructed local authorities to invalidate the fake certificate.
Moreover, the Commission has raised concerns about the alleged involvement of political figures and organizations in the case. Advocate Pratham Dubey, who brought the issue to the Commission’s attention on March 17, alleged the participation of CPI(M) leaders from Kerala and members of the Popular Front of India in facilitating the marriage. It was claimed that the marriage was orchestrated to promote a narrative around “Love Jihad.”
The Commission has summoned the Directors General of Police from Kerala and Madhya Pradesh to its headquarters in New Delhi on April 22. Additionally, the Commission has requested progress updates from both state DGPs every three days until the case is resolved.