TV Actor Rohit Chandel Arrested for Allegedly Stalking, Harassing Minor
Mumbai Police have arrested television actor Rohit Chandel, 29, on charges of stalking, harassing, and assaulting a 16-year-old girl in the eastern suburbs of the city. The case has been registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, along with relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
According to police officials, Chandel was taken into custody from his residence in Dahisar on Friday. He was produced before a special POCSO court, which remanded him to police custody for further investigation.
The complaint, filed by the minor's family, alleges that the actor repeatedly called the girl using his personal number as well as other mobile numbers, causing continuous harassment. Police have invoked Section 78 (stalking) and Section 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt) of the BNS in addition to the POCSO Act provisions.
Authorities have stated that the investigation is ongoing and that they are collecting evidence, including call records and other digital footprints. The accused has not yet commented on the allegations.
The case highlights the increasing scrutiny of public figures under laws aimed at protecting minors from sexual offences. The POCSO Act, enacted in 2012, provides for stringent penalties for those found guilty of sexual crimes against children.
