Television actor Rohit Chandel, known for his roles in Pandya Store and Kashibai Bajirao Ballal, has been arrested for allegedly stalking, harassing and assaulting a 16-year-old girl. A case has been registered against the actor under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and he is currently in judicial custody as the investigation continues.
According to Ghatkopar Police, Rohit allegedly confessed during questioning that he had been stalking the minor. Senior Police Inspector Vitthal Laxman Aardekar stated that the actor admitted to repeatedly going to meet the girl, who was reportedly his co-actor. Police further said that the victim alleged Rohit continued to contact and pressure her despite being blocked.
The officer revealed that Rohit, who resides in Dahisar, allegedly travelled frequently to Ghatkopar to meet the minor. Despite her objections, he allegedly continued calling her from his personal number as well as other phone numbers after she blocked him.
According to the FIR, the incident escalated on July 5 when Rohit allegedly intercepted the minor near her housing society. He is accused of following her, engaging in a verbal altercation, abusing her and physically assaulting her. Based on the complaint, police registered a case and arrested the actor from his Dahisar residence on July 10 before producing him before a special POCSO court.
Apart from charges under the POCSO Act, Rohit has also been booked under Sections 78 and 115(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which relate to stalking and voluntarily causing hurt.
Confirming the arrest, police said the accused has been remanded to judicial custody while further investigation is underway. Authorities have not disclosed additional details as the matter remains under probe.
Neither Rohit Chandel nor his representatives have issued any public statement regarding the allegations or his arrest so far. The allegations remain under investigation, and the legal process is ongoing.