NEW DELHI: Sanoj Mishra, the director who gained attention for offering a film role to Monalisa, a viral sensation from the Maha Kumbh Mela, has been arrested on charges of rape. The arrest occurred on March 31, 2025, after the Delhi High Court rejected his bail application. Mishra, 45, was apprehended by the Nabi Karim police in Ghaziabad, following a detailed investigation that included intelligence gathering and technical surveillance.
The case revolves around a 28-year-old aspiring actress who alleges that Mishra repeatedly raped her over a span of several years. According to police statements, the woman first met Mishra in 2020 through social media platforms TikTok and Instagram while living in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh. Their communication escalated, leading to a series of troubling encounters.
On June 17, 2021, Mishra allegedly called the victim, claiming he was at the Jhansi railway station. When she expressed her reluctance to meet him due to social pressure, he reportedly threatened to commit suicide, prompting her to meet him out of fear. The following day, he again called her and made similar threats, insisting she come to the station.
After meeting, Mishra allegedly took the victim to a resort where he drugged her and sexually assaulted her. The victim reported that he took objectionable photographs and videos of her, threatening to make them public if she resisted his advances. She claimed that Mishra lured her with promises of marriage and film opportunities, eventually leading her to move in with him in Mumbai.
During their time together, the victim alleges that Mishra assaulted her multiple times and forced her to undergo three abortions. In February 2025, he allegedly abandoned her, threatening to leak private images and videos if she filed any complaints against him.
The police confirmed that an FIR was registered against Mishra under multiple charges, including rape, assault, causing miscarriage, and criminal intimidation. The victim’s allegations were further supported by a statement she provided under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), and medical records confirming the forced abortions were obtained from Muzaffarnagar.
In his defense, Mishra reportedly filed a counter FIR against five individuals, including a YouTube channel owner, accusing them of attempting to defame him and sabotage his film project. He claimed that these individuals made serious allegations regarding his films and threatened to ruin Monalisa’s career.
The Delhi Police have stated that their investigation into Mishra’s activities is ongoing, and they are examining all aspects of the case. Mishra, who resides with his family in Mumbai, has yet to publicly respond to the charges against him.
The case has garnered significant media attention, especially given Mishra's previous public persona as a filmmaker who sought to elevate aspiring actresses like Monalisa, who gained fame during the Kumbh Mela. The incident raises critical questions about power dynamics in the film industry and the treatment of women seeking opportunities.
As the investigation continues, many are watching closely to see how the legal proceedings unfold and what implications this case may have for the broader entertainment industry.
