A Special POCSO Court at Mandleshwar in the Khargone district of Madhya Pradesh denied anticipatory bail to the Muslim husband of the Haridwar Mahakumbh’s viral girl popularly referred to as Monalisa.
Special Judge Ravi Jharola ruled that the accused could not be granted relief because he is absconding and there is a possibility that he may tamper with evidence or influence witnesses.
The case is related to an FIR lodged by the girl’s father on March 25, alleging that the accused lured his minor daughter to Kerala on the pretext of offering her opportunities in films. According to the complaint, after keeping her with him for some time, the accused persuaded her to marry him.
The girl’s father had also alleged that the Muslim man carried out ‘love jihad’ with his minor daughter.
During the court hearing, held by video conferencing on Wednesday, the girl’s mother through her advocate produced the girl’s birth certificate in the court, stating that she was a minor at the time of the marriage, which took place in Kerala in March this year.
After hearing both sides and examining the case diary, the court observed that the police investigation is still underway and the victim’s statement is yet to be recorded.
The court also noted that the accused has not cooperated with the investigation and remains absconding.
The court further clarified that the girl’s actual age will be determined during the trial on the basis of evidence.