MUMBAI, July 11 — The arrest of television actor Rohit Chandel on Friday has drawn attention to the legal framework governing crimes against minors in India, with Mumbai Police invoking the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in a case that also carries charges under the country’s new criminal code. Chandel, 29, known for his roles as Baji Rao in ‘Kashibai Bajirao Ballal’ and Dhawal Makwana in ‘Pandya Store’, was taken into custody from his residence in Dahisar, a western suburb of Mumbai.
The Pant Nagar Police registered the case following a complaint filed by a resident of an eastern suburb, alleging that the actor had stalked, repeatedly called, harassed, and assaulted a 16-year-old girl. The complaint states that Chandel made repeated calls to the minor from his own phone number as well as from several other numbers, causing her harassment.
Police officials noted that the case was filed under the POCSO Act, which provides for stringent penalties in cases involving sexual offences against children.
Legal provisions invoked
In addition to the POCSO Act, the Pant Nagar Police invoked Sections 78 and 115(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the comprehensive criminal code that replaced the Indian Penal Code in 2024. Section 78 of the BNS deals with stalking, while Section 115(2) relates to causing hurt. The inclusion of these sections indicates that the alleged conduct involved both persistent surveillance and physical harm.
According to a report by The Times of India, Chandel was produced before a special POCSO court, which remanded him to police custody. The remand order allows investigators to question the actor in custody as they gather evidence and build the case.
The BNS, which came into effect on July 1, 2024, modernised several provisions of the colonial-era Indian Penal Code. Section 78 specifically criminalises the act of following or contacting a person repeatedly despite clear indication of disinterest, or monitoring their use of electronic communications. The section carries penalties of up to three years in prison for a first conviction.
Career and personal life
Chandel was most recently seen on the television show ‘Sairaab’, which aired on a Hindi general entertainment channel. His career in Indian television has spanned several popular serials, with his portrayal of Baji Rao in ‘Kashibai Bajirao Ballal’ and Dhawal Makwana in ‘Pandya Store’ earning him recognition among audiences. Reports also indicate that Chandel ended his relationship with rumoured girlfriend Navika Kotia, though the timing and circumstances of this development remain unclear.
The actor’s personal life has come under increased scrutiny following his arrest. The case highlights the application of India’s relatively new criminal code in cases involving digital communication and stalking.
The BNS provisions on stalking were designed to address the growing use of mobile phones and social media for harassment, a concern that has become increasingly prominent in Indian jurisprudence. Mumbai Police officials said the investigation is ongoing, with officers examining call records and other digital evidence to substantiate the complaint. The Pant Nagar Police station, which is handling the case, is expected to file a chargesheet once the investigation is complete.
The actor’s arrest comes at a time when Indian courts have been increasingly strict in cases involving minors, particularly those filed under the POCSO Act. The special POCSO court’s decision to remand Chandel to police custody rather than judicial custody suggests that investigators have sought further questioning to establish the full scope of the alleged offences.
Legal observers noted that the combination of POCSO and BNS charges could result in significant prison time if the actor is convicted. The POCSO Act mandates a minimum sentence of three years for sexual assault of a minor, with penalties increasing based on the severity of the offence. The case is expected to proceed through the special POCSO court system, which was established to ensure speedy trials in cases involving children.
The court’s next hearing will determine whether Chandel remains in police custody or is transferred to judicial custody pending trial.
