POCSO Case Registered Against Four in Kerala, VHP Leader and Director Among Accused

A POCSO case involving allegations of misconduct, a disputed interfaith marriage, and conflicting claims over age has come to light in Kerala, drawing attention across states and political circles.

The case centres around a young woman who alleged inappropriate behaviour by a film director during a movie shoot , while also being at the heart of a legal dispute over her marriage to a Muslim man. Her parents claim she is a minor, while she insists she is an adult, turning the matter into a complex legal and social issue.

According to police in Kochi, an FIR under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) has been registered against four individuals, including Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Anil Vilayil and film director Sanoj Mishra .

The complainant, who had earlier come into the limelight during the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela, alleged that Mishra misbehaved with her while she was working on his film The Diary of Manipur . Based on her complaint, authorities invoked provisions of the stringent child protection law.

The case, however, is deeply linked to her recent marriage to Farman , a Muslim man, in a temple in Kerala. The marriage triggered a dispute after her parents approached police in Madhya Pradesh, claiming she was 16 years old . The young woman has strongly contested this, stating she is 18 , raising crucial questions about her legal status and consent.

In response to the evolving situation, a team from Madhya Pradesh Police travelled to Kerala to investigate the matter. Meanwhile, the Kerala High Court granted temporary protection from arrest to Farman until May 20 , providing interim relief.

The woman has also sought police protection , alleging attempts to forcibly take her back to Madhya Pradesh, indicating concerns about her safety amid the dispute.

The issue has also taken a political turn, with leaders from the Communist Party of India (Marxist) present at the couple’s wedding held in Thiruvananthapuram, highlighting the wider attention surrounding the case.

With serious criminal charges, inter-state involvement, and unresolved questions about age and consent , the case continues to evolve, placing the spotlight on legal processes and individual rights.