Vlogger Rifa’s husband arrested in POCSO case; she was minor at time of marriage, say police

KOZHIKODE: Mehnas, husband of vlogger Rifa, was arrested in a POCSO case. The action was following the finding that Rifa was a minor at the time of the marriage. Mehnas will be produced in the Kozhikode POCSO court.

Mehnas was arrested from Kasargod by an investigating team led by Thamarassery DySP. Her relatives had alleged the role of Mehnas in the death. He was arrested in the POCSO case at a time when he was awaiting high court’s verdict on the anticipatory bail plea filed.

Rifa was found dead in her apartment at Jaffiliya in Dubai on March 1, 2022. Her body was laid to rest at Pavandur Juma Masjid on March 4. Her parents lodged a complaint to Kozhikode rural police superintendent after they grew suspicious on Mehnas’ behaviour and also said there is no chance of Rifa to commit suicide.

Police said the girl was a victim of her husband’s alleged mental harassment over her popularity on the social media. Mehnas was upset over her social media influence and the increasing number of subscribers for her YouTube channel.