Bandi Bhageerath, the son of Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar, did not show up for police questioning in a POCSO case but sent a letter requesting two days to make himself available. He was summoned to appear before the Station House Officer of Pet Basheerabad Police Station but cited personal inconvenience for his absence on the specified day. Bhageerath expressed willingness to cooperate with the investigation but sought a brief extension to gather necessary materials.
A case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act was filed against Bhageerath for allegedly sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl at a farmhouse in Moinabad. In response, Bhageerath lodged a counter-complaint accusing the girl’s family of attempting to extort Rs 5 crore from him. Following directives from Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, an investigation was initiated, and harsher provisions of the POCSO Act were invoked.
The police served a notice to Bhageerath’s maternal uncle in Karimnagar, instructing Bhageerath to appear before the investigating officer. Bhageerath, aged 25, has also sought interim bail from the Telangana High Court. Meanwhile, questions have been raised regarding the issuance of notices to relatives and the absence of similar actions against Bandi Sanjay, prompting demands for clarifications from the authorities.
