Bandi's son approaches TS HC for bail

Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Bandi Sanjay Kumar’s son Bandi Bhagirath has approached the Telangana High Court seeking interim bail in connection with a POCSO case registered against him.

Due to ongoing summer holiday for the High Court, the petition has been filed before the Vacation Bench. The petition will come up for hearing on May 14.

A case was registered against Bandi Bhagirath on May 8 at Pet Basheerabad Police Station of Cyberabad Commissionerate under Protection Of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for alleged sexual assault on a 17-year-old girl.

On a complaint by the victim’s mother, the police registered a case under Section 11 r/w 12 of POCSO Act and sections 74 and 75 of BNS.

Earlier, Bhagirath, 25, had lodged a complaint in Karimnagar II Town Police Station against the girl and her parents. He alleged that they attempted to honey trap him and demanded Rs.5 crore to not file a police complaint against him.

On his complaint, a case was booked against the girl and her parents under various Sections of the BNS for extortion, criminal intimidation, criminal conspiracy and common intention.

Bandi Sanjay has denied the allegation against his son. He claimed that political rivals were trying to tarnish his image by making false allegations.

Chief Minister, A. Revanth Reddy, on Monday asked Director General of Police, C.V. Anand, to immediately initiate an investigation into the POCSO case registered against Bandi Bhagirath.

The DGP was directed to constitute special teams for a comprehensive investigation into the case of the alleged sexual assault on a minor girl by Bandi Bhagirath.

The Chief Minister questioned the DGP over the delay in taking action despite the complaint having been lodged on May 8.

Following the Chief Minister’s direction, Cyberabad Police Commissioner asked Deputy Commissioner of Police Ritiraj to personally supervise the investigation in the case.

The DCP visited Pet Basheerbad Police Station to take stock of the investigation.

She analysed the case details and spoke to concerned Assistant Commissioner of Police and Station House Officer.

The IPS officer told the media that she discussed with ACP and SHO further steps to be taken in the case. “We have drafted a plan of action and we will proceed accordingly,” she said

The DCP said they have already recorded the victim's statement, but they need some more information. She said she would talk to her.

The officer said during last couple of days police did whatever needed to be done after registering the POCSO case and collected documentation.

Hinting that the accused is absconding, she said if police find the accused, they would definitely arrest him.

She said the police were trying to gather information about the accused by analysing his Call Detail Record.