The Kerala Police have confirmed that no procedural lapses occurred during the controversial marriage of Monalisa Bhosle, the minor girl who gained viral fame at the Kumbh Mela, and that Director General of Police Ravada Chandrasekhar will appear in person before the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes to clarify the state’s position on the matter.
This development comes amid ongoing scrutiny over the legality of the marriage, which has drawn national attention due to allegations that Monalisa Bhosle was a minor at the time of her wedding to Farman Khan. The Kerala Police stated that records from both the police department and the revenue department confirm that Monalisa Bhosle had completed 18 years of age, and that these records are genuine and not falsified.
The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) had earlier intervened in the case following complaints about the marriage, leading to the registration of a POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) case. Subsequently, additional charges under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act were announced to be filed by the NCST’s legal advisor, Prakash Uikey, in relation to allegations of forged birth documents.
Despite the controversy, Kerala Police have maintained that all legal procedures were followed and that there has been no lapse in the investigation. DGP Ravada Chandrasekhar’s personal appearance before the NCSC-ST panel underscores the state’s commitment to transparency and cooperation with the central body overseeing the welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
The case has also attracted criticism over alleged inaction by Kerala police against senior CPI(M) leaders who were reportedly present at or associated with the wedding ceremony, including the party’s state secretary M. V. Govindan, Education Minister V. Sivankutty, and Rajya Sabha MP A. A. Rahim. Whereas complaints have been filed, no case has yet been registered against these individuals, with authorities stating that further legal steps will depend on the submission of an urgent report by ADGP H. Venkatesh, who has been tasked with examining the complaints.
The Kerala Police have reiterated that their position is based on verified documentation and that the marriage was conducted only after confirming the bride’s age through official records. They have denied any wrongdoing or delay in processing the complaints related to the incident.
As the matter remains under review by both state and national authorities, the appearance of the DGP before the NCSC-ST is expected to provide further clarity on the procedural steps taken and the evidence considered in reaching the conclusion that no legal lapse occurred.
For updates on this developing story, readers are encouraged to follow official statements from the Kerala Police Department and the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.