TV Actor Rohit Chandel Arrested Under POCSO for Alleged Stalking

Television actor Rohit Chandel, known for his roles in popular daily soaps like 'Kashibai Bajirao Ballal', 'Pandya Store', and most recently 'Sairaab', has been arrested by the Mumbai Police. The arrest, which occurred on Friday, July 10, 2026, stems from serious allegations made by a 16-year-old girl who accused him of stalking, harassing, and assaulting her in Mumbai. The Ghatkopar police in Mumbai took Chandel into custody after a detailed complaint was lodged. According to the complaint, the minor alleged that Chandel repeatedly contacted her using his personal mobile number and several other numbers, despite her objections. The harassment escalated on July 5, when the actor allegedly confronted the girl near her residential building in an eastern suburb of Mumbai, chased her, initiated an argument, verbally abused her, and physically assaulted her by hitting her with his hands. Following the gravity of the allegations, a case has been registered against Rohit Chandel under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Additionally, relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) have been invoked, specifically Section 78, which pertains to stalking, and Section 115(2), concerning voluntarily causing hurt. Some reports also mention Section 352 of the BNS. Chandel was arrested from his residence in Dahisar, Mumbai, and subsequently produced before a special POCSO court. The court remanded him to police custody to facilitate further investigation into the matter. Police officials have confirmed that the actor and the 16-year-old girl were acquainted, though the precise nature of their relationship has not been disclosed as it forms part of the ongoing probe. Rohit Chandel, aged 29, began his acting career in 2014, making his television debut in 'Har Mushkil Ka Hal Akbar Birbal'. He is widely recognized for his portrayal of Baji Rao in 'Kashibai Bajirao Ballal' and Dhawal Makwana in 'Pandya Store'. His most recent television appearance was in the Hindi musical romantic drama 'Sairaab', which premiered on StarPlus on June 2, 2026, where he plays the role of Ishaan, a pop star. The incident has garnered significant attention, with multiple credible news outlets in India reporting on the arrest. Hindustan Times, NDTV, The Indian Express, Moneycontrol.com, Gulf News, The Economic Times, India Today, Mint, and India.Com have all corroborated the story, providing consistent details regarding the allegations, the arrest, and the legal sections invoked. As of the current reports, the police investigation is actively underway, and Rohit Chandel has not yet issued a public statement or reacted to the allegations. The case highlights the stringent application of laws designed to protect minors from sexual offenses and harassment in India. The news is of high importance and urgency within India, particularly given the public figure involved and the serious nature of the charges under the POCSO Act, which carries significant legal ramifications. The widespread coverage by prominent Indian media houses underscores the relevance and public interest in the story. The consistent reporting across various platforms confirms the factual basis of the arrest and the charges, making the initial report by The Times of India accurate and well-supported by other sources. The judicial process is now in motion, with further details expected to emerge as the investigation progresses.

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