TV actor Rohit Chandel arrested for stalking, assaulting a minor in Mumbai
Synopsis
Television actor Rohit Chandel, known for playing Peshwa Baji Rao in Kashibai Bajirao Ballal, has been arrested by Mumbai's Ghatkopar police for allegedly stalking and assaulting a 16-year-old girl over seven months. He faces charges under the POCSO Act and multiple BNS sections — a stark turn for a career built on family drama roles.
Key Takeaways
Rohit Chandel , a television actor known for Kashibai Bajirao Ballal , was arrested by Ghatkopar police on 11 July .
He is accused of stalking, repeatedly calling, harassing, and physically assaulting a 16-year-old girl in an eastern suburb of Mumbai .
The alleged harassment reportedly ran from December 2025 to 7 July ; the physical assault is alleged to have occurred on 5 July .
Chandel has been booked under Sections 78, 115(2), and 352 of the BNS and Section 12 of the POCSO Act .
The investigation is ongoing; no court has determined guilt at this stage.
Television actor Rohit Chandel was arrested by the Ghatkopar police on 11 July for allegedly stalking, repeatedly calling, harassing, and physically assaulting a 16-year-old girl in an eastern suburb of Mumbai. The actor, known for his role in the popular serial Kashibai Bajirao Ballal, has been booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act along with multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
What the Complaint Alleges
According to the complaint filed with Ghatkopar police, Chandel — a resident of an eastern suburb of Mumbai — allegedly made repeated phone calls to the minor from his own number as well as several other numbers over an extended period. The alleged harassment reportedly began in December 2025 and continued until 7 July.
The complaint further alleges that on 5 July, Chandel confronted the girl near her residential building, chased her, abused her verbally, and physically assaulted her by hitting her with his hands. Police have attributed the account to the formal complaint and are investigating the circumstances.
Charges Filed Against the Actor
Ghatkopar police have registered a case against Chandel under Sections 78, 115(2), and 352 of the BNS — covering stalking, assault, and related offences — as well as Section 12 of the POCSO Act, which pertains to sexual harassment of a child. The actor was subsequently arrested and is in police custody, according to reports.
Who Is Rohit Chandel
Chandel made his television debut in 2014 and built his career through supporting roles in youth-oriented and family dramas. His most prominent role came when he portrayed Peshwa Baji Rao in the historical drama Kashibai Bajirao Ballal, which earned him recognition for his screen presence. He also appeared in the streaming series Escaype Live. The actor maintained an active social media presence, regularly sharing fitness content and behind-the-scenes glimpses from shoots.
Broader Context
This case is among a string of recent incidents involving public figures accused of offences against minors, drawing renewed attention to the enforcement of POCSO provisions. Notably, the alleged harassment spanned over seven months before the complaint was formally lodged, raising questions about the reporting process for minors in such situations. The investigation is ongoing, and no court has yet determined guilt.
The Ghatkopar police are expected to present Chandel before a magistrate in the coming days as the case proceeds through the legal process.
Point of View
Culminating in a physical confrontation — follows a pattern that POCSO was designed to address. What warrants scrutiny is the seven-month gap between the alleged start of harassment in December 2025 and the formal complaint in July: it points to a persistent barrier minors face in reporting public figures. The entertainment industry's response, or silence, will be telling. Past cases have shown that industry bodies are slow to act until a conviction, by which time the damage to the victim is long done.
NationPress
11 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Rohit Chandel arrested?
Rohit Chandel was arrested by Ghatkopar police on 11 July for allegedly stalking, repeatedly calling, harassing, and physically assaulting a 16-year-old girl in an eastern suburb of Mumbai. He has been booked under the POCSO Act and multiple sections of the BNS.
What charges has Rohit Chandel been booked under?
He has been charged under Sections 78, 115(2), and 352 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) — covering stalking, assault, and related offences — and Section 12 of the POCSO Act, which pertains to sexual harassment of a child.
How long did the alleged harassment last?
According to the complaint, the alleged harassment began in December 2025 and continued until 7 July, spanning over seven months. The alleged physical assault took place on 5 July near the victim's residential building.
Who is Rohit Chandel?
Rohit Chandel is a television actor who made his debut in 2014. He is best known for portraying Peshwa Baji Rao in the historical drama Kashibai Bajirao Ballal and also appeared in the streaming series Escaype Live.
What happens next in the case?
The Ghatkopar police are expected to produce Chandel before a magistrate as the case proceeds. The investigation is ongoing, and no court has determined guilt at this stage.
