Union Minister of State for Home Affairs and BJP leader Bandi Sanjay Kumar is facing intense public and political scrutiny after his son, Bandi Bhageerath Sai, was arrested in connection with a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) case involving allegations of sexual assault on a 17-year-old girl in Telangana.

The development came after the Telangana High Court declined to grant interim protection from arrest to Bhageerath Sai, paving the way for Cyberabad Police to intensify efforts to take him into custody. Hours later, the 25-year-old surrendered before police through his legal team and was subsequently arrested.

The case has triggered a major political storm in Telangana, drawing sharp reactions from opposition parties, legal observers, and civil society groups, particularly because the accused is the son of a serving Union minister holding the Home Affairs portfolio.

According to police officials, the FIR was registered on May 8 at Petbasheerabad Police Station under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the POCSO Act after the minor girl’s mother lodged a complaint alleging sexual harassment and assault.

Allegations Against Bhageerath Sai

The complaint alleges that Bhageerath Sai met the minor girl through mutual friends in June 2025 and developed a relationship with her after allegedly promising marriage. Investigators claim the relationship continued for several months before the alleged abuse escalated.

According to details cited in the FIR and later court proceedings, the girl accused Bhageerath of sexually assaulting her on multiple occasions between October and December 2025. Police sources said the allegations initially led to charges under Sections 11 and 12 of the POCSO Act, relating to sexual harassment, along with Sections 74 and 75 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita dealing with outraging modesty and related offences.

However, as the investigation progressed and the survivor’s statement was recorded in greater detail, investigators reportedly added more serious charges under Sections 5(l) and 6 of the POCSO Act, which pertain to aggravated penetrative sexual assault and carry severe punishment, including rigorous imprisonment extending to life imprisonment.

Police sources also indicated that the allegations involve repeated abuse over a prolonged period. Some reports further suggested investigators were examining whether additional victims may come forward, though police have not officially confirmed those claims.

Telangana High Court Refuses Interim Protection

Bhageerath Sai had approached the Telangana High Court seeking anticipatory bail and interim protection from arrest. During a hearing that reportedly continued late into Friday night, his counsel argued that the relationship between the accused and the survivor had initially been consensual and cordial.

The defence also contended that the case was being misrepresented and argued that the complainant’s family had earlier sought marriage between the two. Bhageerath’s legal team maintained that the allegations emerged only after disputes developed between the families.

Justice T. Madhavi Devi, however, declined to grant interim relief at this stage.

According to reports from the hearing, the judge observed that after going through the victim’s statement, even cursorily, the court was “not inclined” to pass any interim order protecting the accused from arrest.

The court’s refusal significantly strengthened the police position and accelerated efforts to locate Bhageerath Sai.

Massive Police Search Operation

Following the High Court order, Cyberabad Police launched an aggressive operation to trace the accused. Officials confirmed that five special teams were formed to track him, while a lookout circular (LOC) was also issued to prevent him from leaving the country.

Investigators said they were using call detail records (CDR), IP tracking, and other technical surveillance methods to monitor his movements. Police had earlier issued notices asking him to appear before investigators, but he had reportedly sought additional time through his legal representatives.

The mounting pressure eventually culminated in Bhageerath Sai appearing before the Telangana Police on Saturday evening, accompanied by lawyers.

“Everyone Is Equal Before Law”: Bandi Sanjay Kumar

After his son surrendered, Bandi Sanjay Kumar issued a detailed public statement asserting his respect for the judiciary and the legal process.

The minister said he had personally ensured that his son cooperated with investigators despite ongoing legal proceedings and advice from sections of the legal team.

“With utmost respect for the law and judiciary, today my son Bandi Bhageerath went before the Telangana Police through our advocates for investigation,” he wrote in a statement shared publicly.

He further added: “Whether it is my own son or a common citizen, everyone is equal before the law.”

The minister also said his son had “consistently maintained that he has committed no mistake” and claimed legal experts had advised them that the matter could be addressed through due judicial process. Despite that, he said the family chose not to avoid investigation.

Bandi Sanjay Kumar also expressed confidence in the judiciary, stating that justice may be delayed but would not be denied.

Defence Claims “Honey Trap” and Extortion Attempt

Bhageerath Sai has denied all allegations against him and claimed the case was part of a “honey-trap and extortion attempt.”

According to submissions made before the court and statements issued earlier, he alleged that the girl’s family had pressured him to marry her and demanded Rs 5 crore. He reportedly filed a separate complaint alleging blackmail and extortion before the current POCSO case was registered.

The minister himself had earlier dismissed the allegations as “false propaganda” allegedly being spread for political reasons.

However, police investigators continued to pursue the case after recording the survivor’s statement and collecting additional evidence.

Political and Public Reactions Intensify

The case has rapidly evolved into one of Telangana’s most closely watched criminal and political controversies. Opposition leaders have questioned whether authorities initially delayed action because the accused is the son of a Union minister.

The controversy intensified further after reports emerged that the girl had allegedly attempted suicide earlier this year, an incident that reportedly brought the matter to wider attention.

Online discussions and political commentary have also amplified scrutiny around the case, with social media users debating issues of political influence, police response, and accountability. Several commentators pointed to the significance of the High Court refusing interim protection despite the accused’s political background.

Meanwhile, legal experts say the addition of aggravated penetrative assault charges under the POCSO Act substantially raises the seriousness of the case and could influence future bail proceedings.

Investigation Continues

Police officials have stated that the investigation remains ongoing and that Bhageerath Sai will continue to be questioned regarding the allegations.

Authorities are also expected to examine digital evidence, communication records, witness statements, and forensic material as part of the broader probe. The Telangana High Court is likely to hear further arguments related to bail and other legal relief in the coming days.

For now, the arrest of a Union minister’s son under stringent POCSO provisions has become a politically explosive case in Telangana, testing both the state’s investigative machinery and the Centre’s repeated claims about accountability and rule of law.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies

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