Actor Rohit Chandel Arrested Under POCSO Act Following Minor Stalking Allegations

DNI SUMMARY — KEY POINTS

• Television actor Rohit Chandel was arrested by Mumbai police after a 16-year-old girl filed a complaint alleging repeated stalking and physical assault.
• The accused has been booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act alongside relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
• Police officials confirmed the actor allegedly contacted the minor using multiple phone numbers for several months despite her consistent refusal of contact.
• According to investigators, the actor has reportedly confessed to the stalking charges and is currently being held in judicial custody pending further legal proceedings.
• The incident has sparked industry-wide reactions, with colleagues emphasizing the need to await a full investigation before drawing conclusions about the ongoing case.

Television actor Rohit Chandel faces serious legal consequences following his arrest by the Ghatkopar Police in Mumbai. The 29-year-old performer, known for his work in various popular dramas, was taken into custody after a 16-year-old girl accused him of a prolonged campaign of harassment. The charges against him include stalking, verbal abuse, and physical assault, which have now been formalized under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Allegations of Persistent Harassment

The formal complaint filed against the actor details a disturbing pattern of behavior that allegedly spanned several months. According to police records, the accused repeatedly reached out to the minor from his personal device and several other phone numbers. This unwanted communication reportedly persisted from December 2025 through July 2026, even after the victim explicitly blocked his numbers and signaled her desire for no further contact, leading authorities to categorize the behavior as persistent criminal stalking.

The situation escalated on July 5 when the victim was confronted near her residential building. The police report states that the actor followed the teenager, initiated a hostile argument, and subsequently engaged in physical violence by striking her. This incident prompted the victim to approach law enforcement, resulting in the registration of a First Information Report that highlights both the emotional toll of the stalking and the immediate danger posed by the physical confrontation.

Evidence and Judicial Status

Senior officials have confirmed that the investigation is moving forward with technical evidence gathering. Investigators plan to secure surveillance footage from the vicinity of the alleged physical altercation to corroborate the victim's account. While the legal process remains in the early stages, the Ghatkopar Police have stated that the accused was remanded to judicial custody after being produced before a special court, indicating the gravity with which the judiciary is treating these specific allegations.

In a significant development for the investigation, police reports indicate that the accused has admitted to meeting the minor co-actor and stalking her. Authorities noted that the actor, who resides in Dahisar, frequently traveled to the eastern suburbs to pursue the victim despite her repeated objections. This confession is being viewed by legal analysts as a pivotal component of the ongoing case as the prosecution prepares its evidence against the Pandya Store star.

Industry Colleagues Respond Cautiously

Industry peers and colleagues have reacted to the news with caution as the investigation continues to unfold. Co-stars, including Madirakshi Mundle, have publicly acknowledged the gravity of the situation while expressing hope for a resolution. The impact on the actor's current professional commitments, specifically his lead role in the show Sairaab, remains a point of speculation, although production sources indicate that the filming schedule has not been immediately disrupted by the ongoing judicial proceedings.

Beyond his recent television roles, the actor had previously built a recognizable profile through his work in historical dramas and streaming projects. His transition into the industry followed years of persistence, beginning with his 2014 debut and including over 90 unsuccessful auditions before his breakthrough. This career history now stands in stark contrast to the legal challenges he faces, which carry severe penalties under the POCSO Act if the accusations are proven during the trial process.

Legal Framework and Future

Looking ahead, the case is expected to center on the veracity of the digital communication records and the witness statements provided to the court. The legal team representing the complainant will likely emphasize the vulnerability of the minor and the repetitive nature of the harassment. As the judicial process continues, the case serves as a sharp reminder of the strict legal frameworks in place to protect minors from exploitation and abuse within the professional entertainment sector.