Bengali YouTuber Arabinda Mandal, Son Arrested Over Minor Rape Allegation

In West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district, well-known Bengali YouTuber Arabinda Mandal and his teenage son were taken into custody on suspicion of raping a 15-year-old girl who was helping them create reels. After the girl's parents complained, a formal complaint has been filed against both accused under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

The police report states that Mandal, who has a substantial following as a YouTuber, and his son secretly filmed the girl while she was changing clothes and later used these videos to blackmail her. The duo allegedly raped her multiple times at Mandal's residence near her home. The girl, a Class 9 student, was reportedly approached months earlier to help with short film projects, and she accompanied them to various locations for shooting. Her parents trusted Mandal, unaware of the abuse until she revealed her ordeal two days ago.​

Mandal was taken to the SDJM Court in Basirhat and remanded to three days' police custody, while his son was sent to a juvenile home after being produced in juvenile court. The case has drawn significant attention, highlighting issues of exploitation and abuse involving social media influencers and minors. The girl's family demanded strict punishment for both accused, emphasizing the gravity of the crime.​

Given that the alleged abuse was carried out by a well-known person with millions of followers, this episode has raised serious concerns about the safety of children who create content for social media. As investigators continue to collect evidence and look for additional potential suspects, the case is still being investigated.