Football coach arrested for raping minor, threatening to leak videos

The accused identified as Abhijit Mandal, 36, a resident of Vasai is a private football coach who trains young students

Mumbai: A 36-year-old football coach was arrested for allegedly raping a 17-year-old student and threatening to circulate obscene videos of her.

Football coach arrested for raping minor, threatening to leak videos

The accused identified as Abhijit Mandal, 36, a resident of Vasai is a private football coach who trains young students.

According to the police, the victim approached Mandal in 2023 for football training. The accused reportedly gained her trust by making false promises regarding her professional football career.

Police said that Mandal then repeatedly exploited the victim over a three-year period and also recorded the acts on his phone.

When the victim attempted to sever ties, Mandal allegedly began threatening to circulate the recordings online.

Eventually, the victim decided to lodge a complaint at the Manikpur police station. Police then registered a case against the accused under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and charges of rape, and eventually arrested him.

Police are currently investigating whether there are other victims involved.