Television actor Rohit Chandel’s arrest in connection with an alleged assault and harassment case involving a 16-year-old girl has sent shockwaves through the television industry. As the investigation continues, his Sairaab co-star Madirakshi Mundle has appealed to the public and the media not to rush to judgment, stressing the importance of hearing both sides before forming an opinion.
Rohit, who currently plays the lead role in Sairaab, was arrested by Mumbai’s Ghatkopar Police after a minor accused him of stalking, harassment, verbal abuse, and physical assault. 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).
Reacting to the development, Madirakshi revealed that she had only recently learned about the incident. Speaking to Bombay Times, she said she was unaware of the allegations until the news surfaced. She added that the current shooting schedule of Sairaab remains unaffected as her storyline is presently the focus of the show.
While refraining from commenting on the ongoing investigation, Madirakshi expressed hope that the matter would be resolved fairly. She emphasized that it is important to listen to both sides before reaching any conclusions, especially when only one version of events has become public. According to her, the media and the public should avoid forming opinions until all the facts emerge.
Earlier, another Sairaab co-star, Kishori Shahane, also reacted to the actor’s arrest, admitting that she was initially stunned by the reports. She revealed that the cast had been shooting with Rohit until just a day before his arrest and confirmed that production has continued without disruption.
Kishori also pointed out an unusual coincidence between the real-life allegations and the show’s ongoing storyline. In Sairaab, Rohit’s character Ishaan is involved in a track where a minor files a complaint against him. She admitted that when she first came across the news, she briefly assumed it was a promotional strategy for the show. However, she later realized the allegations were real and declined to comment further, saying she did not know enough details about the case.
According to the police complaint, the 16-year-old girl alleged that Rohit repeatedly contacted her using his personal phone number as well as several other numbers despite her objections. She further claimed that on July 5, the actor approached her near her residential building, chased her, argued with her, verbally abused her, and allegedly assaulted her by hitting her.
Police officials have confirmed that Rohit and the complainant were known to each other. Following the complaint, the actor was arrested from his residence and later produced before a special POCSO court, which remanded him to police custody as investigations continue.
Rohit Chandel began his television career with a small role in Har Mushkil Ka Hal Akbar Birbal before earning recognition through shows such as Kashibai Bajirao Ballal, where he portrayed Bajirao, and Pandya Store, in which he played Dhawal Makwana. He is currently seen in Sairaab, but his future on the show remains uncertain as the legal proceedings continue.
