She's 40, he's 14: UP woman claims to marry Instagram friend, cops step in

A 40-year-old woman in Maharajganj approached police alleging that a 14-year-old boy refused to stay with her after the two allegedly fell in love through Instagram and “married” each other. The woman, a mother of four, claimed the friendship began after they started liking each other’s reels on social media.

According to police, the woman submitted a complaint at Nautanwa police station claiming that her friendship with the minor began after the two started liking each other’s Instagram reels. The online interaction later turned into what she described as a romantic relationship.

The woman alleged that the teenager had married her but was now refusing to continue the relationship. Officials said the woman is reportedly a mother of four children, while the boy is said to be five years younger than her eldest son.

Police said the 14-year-old lives with his father in Chennai and had come into contact with the woman through social media. The unusual complaint attracted attention in the local area after details of the case surfaced.

According to officials, no formal criminal case was registered in the matter. Instead, police called both sides for counselling and attempted to resolve the issue through mutual understanding.

Nautanwa police station in-charge Basant Singh said the woman, who is originally from Gorakhpur, initially approached police accusing the minor of marrying her and later abandoning her.

“After discussions and intervention by local respected persons, the woman later informed police that she did not want any legal action in the matter,” Singh said.

Police added that after counselling, both sides agreed not to contact each other again and the matter was settled peacefully.

The case has sparked widespread discussion on social media due to the unusual age difference and the nature of the allegations. Officials have urged people, especially minors, to exercise caution while interacting with strangers through social media platforms.

Police also reiterated the importance of parental supervision of online activities involving children and teenagers, citing growing concerns over social media-related disputes and relationships.

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With inputs from Amitesh Tripathi