In a stern intervention, the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) on Wednesday directed police authorities from Madhya Pradesh and Kerala to immediately register a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) and ensure the arrest of the accused in connection with the abduction and harassment of a minor tribal girl.
The directions came during a high-level hearing presided over by NCST Chairperson Antar Singh Arya, along with Commission Advisor and former judge Prakash Uikey. The hearing was attended by Directors General of Police (DGPs) and Superintendents of Police (SPs) from both states, as well as Advocate Pratham Dubey, Advocate Indresh Sonkar, and the victim’s parents.
The present case comes against the backdrop of an interfaith marriage involving Monalisa Bhosle, a viral face from the 2025 Kumbh Mela, and actor-model Farman Khan in Kerala.
Commission Questions Police Inaction
Taking a strong view, the Commission questioned the police over the absence of arrests and delays in handing over the minor to her parents. Chairperson Arya asked, “Why no arrests yet?” and sought an explanation for the continued inaction despite what the Commission described as a clear case.
When officials cited “ongoing investigations” as their defence, the Commission expressed dissatisfaction and directed immediate legal action.
Advocate Flags Procedural Lapses
Advocate Pratham Dubey criticised the handling of the case, raising key questions based on the investigative background prepared by Advisor Prakash Uikey. He pointed out that the Kerala High Court had sought responses from the Madhya Pradesh Police on three occasions, but no reply was filed.
He further questioned whether such inaction indicated a deliberate attempt to shield the accused, a query that reportedly left officials without a clear response.
Madhya Pradesh Police stated that they were prevented from meeting the victim due to restrictions imposed by Kerala authorities citing High Court orders. However, when questioned, the Kerala DGP claimed a “lack of official information” confirming the victim’s minor status.
Commission Rebukes Coordination Failure
The NCST rebuked both state police forces for lack of coordination and mutual blame-shifting. It observed that such administrative lapses had delayed justice in a case involving a vulnerable tribal minor.
The Commission also questioned why the victim had not yet been handed over to her parents.
Strict Directions Issued
Taking a grim view of the situation, the Commission issued the following directives:
Immediate registration of cases under the POCSO Act, the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act
Presentation of all facts and findings before the Kerala High Court
Ensuring immediate arrest of the accused once formal directives are completed
Parents Seek Justice, Commission Assures Oversight
During the hearing, the victim’s parents appealed for the safe return of their daughter.
Advocate Dubey expressed confidence in the Commission’s intervention and in the judicial expertise of Advisor Prakash Uikey, stating that the NCST should continue to monitor and lead the investigation until the matter is fully adjudicated.
Officials assured the Commission that a detailed report would be submitted shortly and that strict action would be taken against the perpetrators.
The NCST made it clear that delays would not be tolerated, signalling continued oversight in the case to ensure accountability and justice for the tribal family.
Background of the Case
The case is rooted in a controversial marriage that drew attention over an age certificate indicating Monalisa as 18 and Farman Khan as 26, alongside interfaith concerns.
According to documents presented by Farman Khan, Monalisa’s date of birth is recorded as January 1, 2008, while his is June 11, 2000.
However, Monalisa’s family, based in Madhya Pradesh, opposed the union, alleging that she was a minor and had been taken away without their consent. Her father, Jai Singh Bhosale, along with other relatives, reportedly attempted to bring her back and objected to the relationship citing religious differences.
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) further cited an alleged phone conversation with Monalisa’s mother, who claimed that her daughter was below 18 years of age and that the family had not consented to the marriage. In the purported recording, she is heard stating that her daughter is “only 16 years old” and expressing concern over losing contact with her after she became widely known following the Kumbh Mela.
