Cinema VinesTelevision actor Rohit Chandel, who was cast in the Star Plus drama Sairaab, has been granted bail by a Mumbai Sessions Court in a POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) case filed by a 16‑year‑old girl. The court, presided over by Special Judge Shashikala S. Nagur, released Chandel on a personal recognizance bond of Rs 50,000, backed by an equal surety. In addition to the bond, the judge imposed strict conditions: Chandel must not tamper with, threaten, or influence the victim or any witnesses, and he is prohibited from contacting the complainant or her family through any means, including phone calls or social media. The court also barred him from attempting to persuade anyone involved in the case to withhold information from the court.
Chandel’s legal troubles began after a minor filed a complaint alleging that the actor had repeatedly called her from multiple phone numbers, followed her, and subjected her to verbal abuse and physical assault near her home. The Mumbai Police registered an FIR under sections of the POCSO Act and related provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita concerning stalking and causing hurt. Following the complaint, Chandel was arrested from his residence and remanded in judicial custody while the investigation progressed.
Once the investigation was completed, a Special POCSO Court in Mumbai heard the case and accepted the chargesheet, which detailed the allegations and witness statements. The court’s decision to grant bail came after Chandel’s lawyer, advocate Saveen Bedi Sachar, presented the chargesheet and argued that the investigation was concluded. The court’s order, reported by India Today, therefore reflects the completion of the formal investigative phase.
The case attracted significant media attention, partly because it involved a minor and partly because it intersected with Chandel’s ongoing television work. At the time of his arrest, he was actively shooting for Sairaab. The production team subsequently replaced him with actor Krishna Kaul, who has since taken over the role. Whether Chandel will return to the series remains uncertain.
The court’s ruling underscores the seriousness of POCSO cases and the court’s obligation to protect the victim’s rights. While Chandel is now free on bail, the conditions imposed aim to prevent any further interference with the investigation and to safeguard the complainant and witnesses from intimidation.
