Kerala HC orders police protection for Kumbh Mela viral woman during visit to Madhya Pradesh in kidnapping case

Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas ordered the Station House Officer of the Ernakulam Central Police Station to provide “adequate protection to the petitioner’s life” | Photo credit: RK Nithin

The Kerala High Court has ordered the Kerala Police to protect the life of the Kumbh Mela viral woman-turned-actress as she travels to Madhya Pradesh in connection with the alleged kidnapping of her husband, also actor Farmaan Khan, by the woman’s father.

Earlier this month, the Supreme Court granted transit bail to the couple to approach the Madhya Pradesh High Court seeking anticipatory bail in the case registered against Mr Khan. He is accused of kidnapping, crimes against SC/ST persons and child marriage. The couple has to approach the Madhya Pradesh High Court by July 3, the date on which the transit bail ends.

The couple reportedly received a threatening message a few days ago that they would be “shot to death”, prompting them to file an application for police protection in the High Court. The Kerala Police are to escort them to Madhya Pradesh and then back to Kerala where they live together.

Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas ordered the Station House Officer of the Ernakulam Central Police Station to provide “adequate protection to the petitioner’s life”. The court posted the matter to July 10 to ensure compliance with the order.

The couple got married in March 2026 in Thiruvananthapuram and have been living in Kerala since then. Controversy erupted over their interfaith marriage, with her family claiming she was just 16 and that Mr Khan had “trapped her in a love jihad”.

Published – 20 June 2026 14:00 IST