Telangana High Court Refuses Interim Relief To Bhageerath
Bandi Sanjay Kumar’s son Bandi Bhageerath surrendered before Cyberabad Police in connection with a POCSO case after authorities issued a look-out circular to prevent him from leaving the country.
The development came shortly after the Telangana High Court refused to grant Bhageerath interim protection from arrest while hearing his anticipatory bail plea.
Minister Says Son Handed Over ‘Out Of Respect For Law’
In a statement, Bandi Sanjay Kumar said his son was being presented before investigators voluntarily and stressed that everyone is equal before the law.
The Union Minister said Bhageerath has consistently denied all allegations made against him.
According to Sanjay Kumar, the family initially planned to cooperate with the investigation immediately after the complaint was filed, but delayed the move after legal consultations and advice from lawyers who reportedly believed the case would not stand legally.
However, he said he later decided not to delay the process further and handed his son over through legal representatives for investigation.
The BJP leader also stated that he has complete faith in the judiciary and wanted to ensure there was no perception of avoiding the legal process.
Case Registered Under POCSO Act
Cyberabad Police registered the case on May 8 under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
The complaint was filed by the mother of a 17-year-old girl, who alleged that Bhageerath was in a relationship with her daughter and sexually harassed her.
According to the complaint, the two became acquainted through common friends and remained in contact through social media platforms including Instagram and Snapchat.
The family alleged that Bhageerath gained the minor’s trust by promising marriage after she turned 18 and later exerted emotional pressure on her.
Police reportedly added stricter POCSO provisions after recording the victim’s statement.
High Court Refuses Interim Protection
During the hearing on Friday night, the Telangana High Court declined to pass any interim order protecting Bhageerath from arrest.
His lawyers had requested temporary relief until the court could fully hear the anticipatory bail petition.
However, the court said it was not inclined to grant interim protection at this stage.
Bhageerath Files Counter-Complaint
Bhageerath has also filed a counter-complaint in the case.
In his complaint, he alleged that he became close to the girl and her family through social interactions, family events and religious trips.
He claimed that the girl’s family later pressured him for marriage and allegedly demanded money after he refused.
According to Bhageerath, he paid Rs 50,000 to the girl’s father out of fear after threats of legal action.
He further alleged that the family later demanded Rs 5 crore and threatened to implicate him in false cases if their demands were not met.
Police have reportedly registered an FIR based on his complaint as well.
Political Reactions Intensify
The case has now triggered political reactions in Telangana.
K. Kavitha demanded that Bandi Sanjay Kumar be removed from the Union Cabinet to ensure what she described as a fair and impartial investigation into the allegations involving his son.
The investigation in the case is currently underway.
