TV actor Rohit Chandel arrested under POCSO: What are the allegations against the Pandya Store star?

Television actor Rohit Chandel was arrested by Mumbai Police on Friday for allegedly stalking, repeatedly calling, harassing and assaulting a 16-year-old girl in an eastern suburb, TOI reported. He has been booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act along with provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Chandel, 29, is known for portraying Baji Rao in Kashibai Bajirao Ballal and Dhawal Makwana in Pandya Store.

He was arrested from his residence in Dahisar and produced before a special POCSO court, which remanded him to police custody.

What allegations have been made against Rohit Chandel?

According to the complaint filed by a resident of an eastern suburb, the actor allegedly made repeated calls to the 16-year-old girl from his mobile number as well as several other numbers, causing harassment.

The complaint further alleges that on July 5, Chandel confronted the girl near her residential building, chased her, picked an argument, abused her and assaulted her by hitting her with his hands.

Sections invoked against Rohit Chandel

In addition to the POCSO Act, Pant Nagar Police have registered a case against Chandel under Sections 78 and 115(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which relate to stalking and causing hurt.

Police say accused and minor knew each other

Police said the accused and the minor were acquainted.

"Following the complaint, a case was registered and the accused has been placed under arrest. Further probe is underway in the case," an official said.

(With inputs from TOI)