Bollywood and television actor Vishal Thakkar, who was arrested on rape charges, has been missing since New Year's Day. The "Tarak Mehta Ka Ooltaah Chashma" actor was accused of rape by his alleged girlfriend.

After his release from jail, the actor suffered from major depression as he was tagged a rapist. Thakkar was also finding it hard to get a job after the incident. According to The Asian Age, Thakkar was on his way from a resort after celebrating New Year with girlfriend Rajani. They stopped at Ghodbunder Road in Thane to take a tea break and it was during that time the actor disappeared.

"While having tea at Fountain, Vishal told Rajani he had to meet a friend in Andheri and left. Thereafter, Rajani tried looking for him but in vain. His phone too is switched off ever since. Nobody knows about his whereabouts," Investigating officer Jayvant Padvi told The Asian Age.

"During the investigation, Rajani told us that he has been suffering from depression of late because he hasn't been getting work. His frustrations had strained the couple's relationship and they would quarrel frequently. We are looking into all aspects. We haven't reached any conclusion so far. Investigations are still on," he added.

Thakkar was arrested in October 2015 on charges of rape. A case was registered against the actor under IPC sections 376 (rape), 420 (cheating), 323, 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) and 506 (criminal intimidation), Charkop police station's senior inspector Ramchandra Gaikwad told Press Trust of India.