Popular Bengali YouTuber Arabinda Mandal, son arrested after 15-year-old assistant alleges rape

A shocking case from West Bengal has put a prominent social media creator under criminal investigation. Popular Bengali YouTuber Arabinda Mandal and his teenage son were arrested after a 15-year-old girl who had been assisting them on short-video shoots accused them of rape. The matter has drawn national attention because of the accused’s large following and the seriousness of the allegations.

What happened — brief timeline involving Arabinda Mandal

According to media reports, the incident came to light after the girl’s family noticed changes in her behaviour and approached the police. The 15-year-old — described as an assistant who helped with making reels and short videos for the channel — filed a complaint alleging sexual assault by the YouTuber and his son. An FIR under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and related sections was registered, and both the creator and his son were taken into custody on October 13, 2025.

Arrest and legal steps taken

Local police say Arabinda Mandal was produced before the SDJM and remanded to three days’ police custody. His teenage son was dealt with through juvenile procedures and was sent to a juvenile home pending further proceedings. Investigations are ongoing and authorities have said they will probe whether any other victims exist and how the alleged offences were committed.

Who is Arabinda Mandal — public profile and reach

Arabinda Mandal is a well-known Bengali content creator who built a following by producing comedy and short-form videos. Media outlets reporting the arrest note he has millions of followers on YouTube and other social platforms — reports put the audience size in the range of around 4.3–4.5 million subscribers, which explains why the allegations have triggered widespread public interest and outrage.

Why this case matters: power, influence and vulnerability

When a public figure with a large online audience faces accusations involving a minor, the case raises multiple concerns: the potential abuse of influencer power, the safety of minors who assist creators, and how platforms and local communities vet participants for content. The complaint alleges the girl was lured with promises of featuring in videos and gaining fame — a pattern that experts say can be used to manipulate vulnerable young people. Authorities have emphasised a thorough probe to determine facts and possible patterns.

What the law says — POCSO and juvenile procedures

Because the alleged victim is a minor, the case has been registered under the POCSO Act, which is specifically designed to protect children from sexual offences and prescribes strict procedures for investigation and prosecution. When a juvenile is involved as an accused, the law requires that they be processed through juvenile justice boards or courts with special safeguards and rehabilitation focus. The arrest and juvenile custody indicate authorities are following statutory steps while the investigation progresses.

What to expect next in the investigation

Police will typically (a) record the victim’s statement through a trained interviewer, (b) collect forensic and digital evidence, (c) question witnesses, and (d) trace digital communications and recordings related to the channel. Given the public profile of Arabinda Mandal, investigators may also look into the creator’s online activity, past interactions with minors, and whether any other complaints exist. Courts will then decide on remand, chargesheets, and subsequent trials if evidence supports prosecution.

Responsible coverage and presumption of innocence

It’s important to remember that an arrest is an allegation, not a conviction. The Indian criminal justice system guarantees the presumption of innocence until proven guilty in a court of law. At the same time, the POCSO framework prioritises the protection and care of the child complainant; police and courts must balance victim support with fair process for the accused. Readers and media should avoid speculative or defamatory commentary while the matter is under investigation.

Practical guidance for parents and creators

Short practical steps both parents and content creators can take to reduce risk:

• Parents: supervise minors’ online activities, vet people who invite teens for shoots, and encourage open conversations if the child seems withdrawn or secretive.
• Creators: follow strict consent practices, avoid private one-on-one meetings with minors, ensure parental presence and written permissions, and keep content shoots in public or professional environments.
• Community platforms: enact safer onboarding for minors and clear reporting channels.

These measures can reduce opportunities for exploitation and protect both creators and participants.

Final thoughts: why this story matters beyond one channel

The arrest of Arabinda Mandal and his son has ignited a broader discussion about influencer responsibility and child safety in the digital age. As short-form video platforms grow, communities and regulators will need to strengthen safeguards for young participants. For now, the focus should be on a fair legal process, thorough investigation, and support for the young complainant while broader lessons are learned and applied.

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