POCSO Probe Ordered Against Bandi Son

Telangana Chief Minister, A. Revanth Reddy, on Monday directed Director General of Police C.V. Anand to immediately initiate an investigation into the Protection Of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act case registered against Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay’s son, Bandi Bhagirath.

The Chief Minister instructed the DGP 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 at Pet Basheerabad Police Station.

Following the Chief Minister’s direction, the police chief reportedly constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the case.

According to the Chief Minister’s Office, DGP Anand briefed the Chief Minister on the details of the case. The DGP informed the Chief Minister that the entire police force had been engaged in security arrangements in view of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Hyderabad.

Meanwhile, the Telangana State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (TSCPCR) has formed a special Bench to hear the case.

TGSCPCR Chairperson, Kothakota Seetha Dayakar Reddy, obtained details from the City Police Commissioner and constituted a special Bench to conduct an enquiry into the matter.

The action by TSCPCR and the Chief Minister’s direction to the DGP came amid the continuing protest by the Opposition Bharath Rashtra Samithi (BRS) demanding action against Bandi Sanjay’s son.

A case was registered against Bandi Bhagirath under POCSO Act for alleged sexual assault on a 17-year-old girl.

The girl’s mother alleged that Bhagirath had been harassing their daughter for over six months. He also allegedly misbehaved with her at a farmhouse in Moinabad.

On her complaint, the police registered a case under Section 11 of the POCSO Act and relevant sections of BNS.

Bhagirath, 25, had earlier 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.