Director who offered film to Maha Kumbh-viral Monalisa arrested in rape case

Mangalore Today News Network

New Police, March 31, 2025: Delhi Police has arrested film director Sanoj Kumar Mishra in connection with a rape case. Mishra, who had offered a film role to viral Mahakumbh Mela girl Monalisa, was taken into custody after his anticipatory bail plea was rejected by the Delhi High Court.

The complainant, a 28-year-old woman, alleged that she met Mishra through social media platforms TikTok and Instagram in 2020 while living in Uttar Pradesh’s Jhansi. The accused allegedly coerced her into meeting him by threatening suicide. On June 18, 2021, he took her to a resort, drugged her, and sexually assaulted her.

 

The victim further claimed that Mishra took objectionable photos and videos of her, using them to blackmail her into a relationship. He allegedly lured her with promises of marriage and film opportunities, forcing her into a live-in relationship in Mumbai. During this time, he reportedly assaulted her on multiple ocassions and forced her to undergo three abortions.

In February 2025, the film director allegedly abandoned her and threatened to leak her private pictures and videos if she filed a complaint against him.

Police investigation and arrest

An FIR was registered against the film director under charges of rape, assault, causing miscarriage, and criminal intimidation. The woman provided a statement under Section 164 CrPC, supporting her allegations. Medical records confirming forced abortions were obtained from Muzaffarnagar.

The 45-year-old film director is married and resides with his family in Mumbai.