Maharashtra Police on Saturday arrested 36-year-old football coach for allegedly raping and blackmailing a 17-year-old student at his training academy in Vasai. The coach, identified as Abhijit Mendal, has been booked under the stringent sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, as well as for rape and criminal intimidation. Following a complaint filed by the victim’s family, the Manikpur police conducted a preliminary inquiry and subsequently arrested Mendal.
The coach allegedly also made objectionable videos of the girl and later used them to blackmail her. In her complaint, the victim said Mendal first gained her trust and then lured her with promises of big opportunities in football. When she attempted to distance herself from him, he reportedly threatened to circulate the content on social media. Distressed by this harassment, the victim confided in her family, leading them to approach the authorities.
The victim alleged that she joined Mendal’s academy in 2023. “The coach gained her trust by promising her significant opportunities in football before allegedly sexually abusing her multiple times over the past three years”, the victim said.
The accused is currently in custody. Police said further investigation is underway.