KOLKATA: A popular West Bengal-based YouTuber, boasting a following of over 4 million subscribers, has been arrested along with his teenage son on charges of allegedly raping a 15-year-old schoolgirl in the state’s North 24 Parganas district. The shocking case centers on a scheme where the minor was allegedly lured with promises of appearing in comedy and dance videos before being blackmailed and repeatedly assaulted.
The 48-year-old accused, identified as Arabindu Mondal, was apprehended by police in Haroa on Sunday. Investigators confirmed that Mondal, who operates two popular YouTube channels, and his son approached the Class 9 student several months ago with the offer to feature her in short videos and reels.
Sources familiar with the investigation revealed that after luring the girl to various shoot locations, the father-son duo allegedly secretly filmed and photographed her while she was changing clothes. The pair then reportedly used the explicit footage to blackmail the survivor into silence following repeated instances of sexual assault. In one disturbing detail, a police officer noted that Mondal’s son allegedly placed vermillion on the victim’s hair, attempting to suggest marriage before sexually assaulting her.
The survivor’s family, who reportedly knew and trusted Mondal, remained unaware of the ordeal until the girl confided in them. An FIR was promptly registered at the Haroa police station under the stringent Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Following the arrests, a court remanded Arabindu Mondal to five days of police custody, while his son was sent to a juvenile offenders’ home. Authorities have also seized phones, cameras, and other digital devices belonging to Mondal, who is now facing serious charges that have sent shockwaves through the local community and the regional social media landscape. The survivor’s father is reportedly an officer attached to the Kolkata Police.
