Bandi Sanjay's son seeks bail in Telangana HC over POCSO case
Synopsis
The son of Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar is seeking interim bail from the Telangana High Court in a POCSO case involving an alleged assault on a 17-year-old girl — even as he is reportedly absconding and police are tracing him through call records. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has personally intervened, escalating political pressure on the case.
Key Takeaways
Bandi Bhagirath , son of MoS Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar , has filed for interim bail before the Telangana High Court Vacation Bench ; hearing set for 14 May .
A POCSO case was registered against him on 8 May at Pet Basheerabad Police Station for alleged sexual assault on a 17-year-old girl .
Bhagirath had earlier filed a counter-complaint alleging honey-trapping and a demand of ₹5 crore by the girl's family.
Revanth Reddy directed the DGP to immediately form special teams for a comprehensive probe.
DCP Ritiraj is personally supervising the investigation; police say the accused is reportedly absconding and is being traced via CDR analysis .
Bandi Bhagirath, son of Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar, has approached the Telangana High Court seeking interim bail in connection with a POCSO case registered against him at Pet Basheerabad Police Station of the Cyberabad Commissionerate. The petition, filed before the Vacation Bench owing to the court's ongoing summer recess, is scheduled to come up for hearing on 14 May.
The Case Against Bhagirath
A case was registered against Bandi Bhagirath, 25, on 8 May under Section 11 read with Section 12 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and Sections 74 and 75 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), following a complaint by the mother of a 17-year-old girl alleging sexual assault. The accused is reportedly absconding, with police analysing his Call Detail Records (CDR) to trace his whereabouts. Deputy Commissioner of Police Ritiraj confirmed that the victim's statement has been recorded and a plan of action has been drawn up.
Counter-Complaint by Bhagirath
Prior to the POCSO case being filed, Bhagirath had lodged a complaint at Karimnagar II Town Police Station against the girl and her parents, alleging that they attempted to honey-trap him and demanded ₹5 crore to refrain from filing a complaint. Acting on his complaint, police registered a case against the girl and her parents under BNS provisions relating to extortion, criminal intimidation, criminal conspiracy, and common intention.
Government Steps In
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Monday directed Director General of Police C.V. Anand to immediately initiate a comprehensive investigation into the POCSO case, questioning the delay in action despite the complaint having been lodged on 8 May. Following the Chief Minister's direction, Cyberabad Police Commissioner tasked DCP Ritiraj with personally supervising the probe. The DCP visited Pet Basheerabad Police Station, reviewed case details, and held discussions with the concerned Assistant Commissioner of Police and Station House Officer.
Minister Denies Allegations
Bandi Sanjay has denied all allegations against his son, claiming that political rivals are attempting to tarnish his image through false accusations. The denial comes as the case has drawn sharp political attention, with the ruling government publicly pushing for a swift investigation into the conduct of a senior central minister's family member.
What Happens Next
The Telangana High Court's Vacation Bench will take up Bhagirath's interim bail petition on 14 May. Police have indicated they will arrest the accused the moment he is located, and further steps are being coordinated based on the documented plan of action. The outcome of the bail hearing is expected to determine the immediate trajectory of the case.
Point of View
And the accused being reportedly absconding only deepens the scrutiny. The Chief Minister's direct intervention, calling out the DGP over investigative delays, signals that the ruling dispensation intends to keep this case in the spotlight. The simultaneous counter-complaint alleging extortion adds a layer of legal complexity, but courts have consistently held that a counter-complaint does not dilute the primacy of a POCSO investigation. What matters now is whether the investigation proceeds with the rigour the law demands — independent of the political weight of the accused's family name.
NationPress
13 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the POCSO case against Bandi Bhagirath?
A POCSO case was registered against Bandi Bhagirath on 8 May at Pet Basheerabad Police Station, Cyberabad, for the alleged sexual assault of a 17-year-old girl. The case was filed under Section 11 read with Section 12 of the POCSO Act and Sections 74 and 75 of the BNS, on a complaint by the victim's mother.
Why has Bandi Bhagirath approached the Telangana High Court?
Bandi Bhagirath has filed a petition before the Telangana High Court's Vacation Bench seeking interim bail in connection with the POCSO case. The petition is scheduled for hearing on 14 May.
What is the counter-complaint filed by Bhagirath?
Before the POCSO case was registered, Bhagirath filed a complaint at Karimnagar II Town Police Station alleging that the girl and her parents tried to honey-trap him and demanded ₹5 crore. A case was registered against them under BNS provisions for extortion, criminal intimidation, criminal conspiracy, and common intention.
What action has the Telangana government taken in the case?
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy directed the DGP to immediately initiate a probe and form special teams, questioning the delay in action. DCP Ritiraj was assigned to personally supervise the investigation and visited Pet Basheerabad Police Station to review progress.
Is Bandi Bhagirath currently in custody?
According to police, Bandi Bhagirath is reportedly absconding. Authorities are tracing him through Call Detail Record analysis and have stated they will arrest him once located.
