The gloves are off—but this time, it’s not in the ring. Mary Kom, India’s six-time world boxing champion and Olympic medalist, is embroiled in a deeply personal and public battle with her estranged husband, Karung Onkholer (also known as Onler Kom). What began as a financial dispute has escalated into a war of accusations, with Kom alleging theft and asset misappropriation, and her ex-husband firing back with explosive claims of extramarital affairs in 2013 and 2017—backed, he says, by WhatsApp messages .
This isn’t just celebrity gossip; it’s a painful unraveling of a partnership that once symbolized resilience and family support behind one of India’s greatest sporting icons. As the Mary Kom cheating allegations dominate headlines, fans are left grappling with the human cost behind the hero’s legacy.
Table of Contents
- The Origins of the Feud: Mary Kom’s Financial Claims
- Mary Kom cheating allegations: Onler’s Explosive Response
- WhatsApp Messages as Evidence: What Does the Law Say?
- The Role of Gender and Public Perception in Indian Sports
- Impact on Mary Kom’s Legacy and Children
- Conclusion: A Private Pain Made Public
- Sources
The Origins of the Feud: Mary Kom’s Financial Claims
Mary Kom’s initial complaint centers on alleged financial misconduct. She claims that during their marriage, Onler Kom—who managed her finances—transferred ₹10 lakh from her account without consent and improperly handled properties registered in her name .
As the primary breadwinner—her earnings from fights, endorsements, and government awards funded the household—Kom asserts she trusted him with day-to-day management. Now, she alleges that trust was betrayed for personal gain. The matter has reportedly been escalated to legal channels, though no formal charges have been publicly confirmed.
Mary Kom cheating allegations: Onler’s Explosive Response
In a stunning counter-narrative, Onler Kom has denied all financial wrongdoing. Instead, he’s shifted focus to Mary Kom’s personal conduct, stating: “She was having an affair” during two specific periods—2013 and 2017 .
He claims to possess WhatsApp chat screenshots as proof of these alleged relationships. While he hasn’t released the messages publicly (citing privacy and ongoing legal sensitivity), his statements have ignited intense speculation online.
Onler also emphasized his role as a stay-at-home father, caring for their four children while Mary trained and competed globally. “I was the one at home, managing everything,” he said, framing himself as the stable backbone of the family—a narrative that contrasts sharply with the image of neglect often associated with absent athlete-spouses .
WhatsApp Messages as Evidence: What Does the Law Say?
Can private chats be used as legal proof? According to India’s Information Technology Act and the Indian Evidence Act, electronic records—including WhatsApp messages—can be admissible in court **if** they meet certain criteria:
- The device must be produced in court.
- The authenticity and integrity of the messages must be verified (no tampering).
- A certificate under Section 65B of the Indian Evidence Act must accompany the digital evidence .
However, even if authenticated, such evidence raises serious privacy concerns. The Supreme Court of India, in the landmark *Puttaswamy judgment*, affirmed the right to privacy as fundamental . Using intimate communications in a public dispute could itself be legally problematic, regardless of their content.
The Role of Gender and Public Perception in Indian Sports
This feud is playing out against a complex backdrop of gender dynamics in Indian sports. Female athletes, especially those from non-metro backgrounds like Mary Kom (from Manipur), are often held to stricter moral standards than their male counterparts.
While male stars’ personal lives are frequently overlooked, women face intense scrutiny over their roles as wives and mothers. If the Mary Kom cheating allegations gain traction—even without legal validation—they risk overshadowing her historic achievements in the ring.
Conversely, if Onler’s financial claims are proven, it would highlight a disturbing pattern of exploitation faced by many female earners whose spouses manage their wealth—a topic rarely discussed in mainstream sports media [INTERNAL_LINK:women-athletes-financial-autonomy-india].
Impact on Mary Kom’s Legacy and Children
Beyond the legal and reputational stakes, the human cost is immense. Their four children—triplets and a younger son—are caught in the crossfire of a very public parental conflict.
Mary Kom, who has often spoken about balancing motherhood and boxing, now faces questions about her private life that could affect her work with youth sports initiatives and her role as a Rajya Sabha MP. Her brand, built on discipline, sacrifice, and family values, is under unprecedented strain.
For fans, it’s a sobering reminder that heroes are human—flawed, vulnerable, and sometimes entangled in messy realities far removed from the glory of the podium.
Conclusion: A Private Pain Made Public
The Mary Kom cheating allegations and counter-accusations represent more than a celebrity spat—they’re a cautionary tale about trust, power, and the perils of airing private wounds in the court of public opinion. Whether through mediation or litigation, this dispute needs resolution away from headlines and hashtags. Because at its heart are real people: a legendary athlete, a devoted father, and four children who deserve peace far more than viral drama.
Sources
- Times of India. (2026, January). ‘She was having an affair…’: Mary Kom’s ex-husband reacts after cheating allegations.
- Interviews and past statements by Onler Kom in regional media (Manipur-based outlets).
- Indian Evidence Act, 1872 – Section 65B. Admissibility of Electronic Records.
- Supreme Court of India. (2017). Justice K.S. Puttaswamy vs Union of India. https://main.sci.gov.in/supremecourt/2012/35071/35071_2012_Judgement_26-Sep-2018.pdf