Hyderabad: Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Bandi Sanjay Kumar, has presented his son, Bandi Sai Bhageerath, to the police for an inquiry related to a case filed under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The surrender occurred on Saturday, following the issuance of a look-out circular by the Cyberabad police, aimed at preventing Bhageerath from leaving the country.
The central claim from Bandi Sanjay Kumar is that he facilitated his son's presentation to the authorities through legal representatives, emphasizing a "due respect for law" and the principle that "all are equal before the law." He stated that a slight delay in the surrender was due to initial consultations with lawyers who, after reviewing evidence, believed the case might be quashed and bail granted. However, Bandi Sanjay ultimately decided to expedite the process to avoid further delays.
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Allegations and Legal Proceedings
Bandi Sai Bhageerath is accused of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl. Conflicting accounts have emerged regarding the circumstances leading to the allegations. One narrative suggests the girl had invited Bhageerath to family functions before her family allegedly pressured him into marriage. Conversely, Bhageerath reportedly claims that after he refused, the girl's parents demanded money and threatened false complaints.
The Telangana High Court recently denied Bhageerath interim relief from arrest, after he had sought anticipatory bail. Despite this, Bandi Sanjay maintained his son's innocence, asserting that Bhageerath has consistently stated he has done nothing wrong.
Official Statements and Nuances
"With utmost respect for the law and judiciary, today my son Bandi Bhageerath went before the Telangana Police through our advocates for investigation."
Bandi Sanjay Kumar
Bandi Sanjay Kumar, also the Telangana BJP chief, reiterated that he personally ensured his son was presented to investigators. He expressed confidence in the judicial process, noting that his legal team was still of the opinion that bail would likely be granted. However, the minister insisted on not prolonging the matter further.
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One report indicates that police refuted Bandi Sanjay's claim of his son's "surrender," suggesting instead that he was apprehended. This point of contention highlights the friction and differing perspectives surrounding the event.
Background
The involvement of Bandi Sanjay Kumar's son in a POCSO case has become a significant political talking point in Telangana, with some reports describing it as a major political crisis for the state. The situation involves mutual complaints filed by both sides.
