Vlogger Shakir Subhan, widely recognized as Mallu Traveller, was granted anticipatory bail by a Kerala court on Thursday. This came in response to a case filed under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, based on allegations made by his ex-wife.

The Special Judge, responsible for POCSO cases, provided relief to the YouTuber by approving the anticipatory bail he sought in the case filed earlier this month.

Subhan is facing charges under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and specific provisions related to penetrative sexual assault and aggravated penetrative sexual assault as outlined in the POCSO Act.

As per the prosecution's statement, the complainant allegedly agreed to marry Subhan when she was 15 years old back in 2012, with the understanding that the marriage would take place after she reached adulthood.

Following their Nikkah (Muslim marriage) on December 13, 2012, the accused purportedly took her to his residence a month later and allegedly committed multiple acts of penetrative sexual assault.

The accused put forth the argument that he and the complainant were legally married until she obtained a divorce in 2016. Subhan also asserted that he was misled regarding the complainant's age at the time.

It was additionally presented that a child was born to the couple, and following their divorce in 2016, the accused has consistently shouldered the responsibility of raising and supporting the child. Subhan, asserting his innocence regarding the allegations, informed the Court that he is the sole provider for his family and expressed willingness to comply with any conditions set forth by the court regarding the grant of pre-arrest bail.