BRS protests erupt across Telangana demanding Bandi Sanjay's dismissal over son's POCSO arrest
Synopsis
BRS took its demand for Union MoS Bandi Sanjay Kumar's dismissal to the streets across Telangana on 18 May, a day after his son Bandi Bhageerath was arrested in a POCSO case. The protests turned tense in Sircilla, where police detained BJP workers who allegedly disrupted the demonstration — adding a law-and-order dimension to what is already a politically explosive case.
Key Takeaways
BRS staged state-wide protests on 18 May demanding dismissal of Union MoS for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar .
His son Bandi Bhageerath was arrested by Cyberabad Police on 16 May in a POCSO case involving alleged sexual assault of a minor.
Bhageerath was remanded to judicial custody for 14 days after being produced before a magistrate.
BRS Working President K.T.
Rama Rao questioned how the accused allegedly remained untraceable for nine days and who may have protected him.
Tension erupted in Sircilla after BJP workers allegedly disrupted a BRS protest; police detained BJP workers after a mild lathi-charge.
BRS has demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi dismiss the minister if he refuses to resign.
The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), Telangana's principal Opposition party, on Monday, 18 May staged widespread protests across the state, demanding the immediate dismissal of Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar following the arrest of his son Bandi Bhageerath in a POCSO case involving the alleged sexual assault of a minor girl. The protests, led by BRS legislators and senior leaders, spread across multiple constituencies and saw heightened tensions in at least one location.
Protests Across Constituencies
In Huzurabad, party MLA P. Kaushik Reddy led a large demonstration, with cadres carrying placards and banners and raising slogans demanding the minister's removal. In Vemulawada, BRS workers under the leadership of Chalmeda Lakshmi Narasimha Rao staged a sit-in on the road, holding posters that called for justice for the minor victim. Protesters declared that if Bandi Sanjay Kumar refuses to resign, Prime Minister Narendra Modi must dismiss him.
In Gangadhara of Karimnagar district, former MLA Sunke Ravishankar led a separate demonstration, echoing the same demand for the minister's immediate removal from office.
Tension in Sircilla, Police Intervene
Tensions flared at Netanna Chowrasta in Sircilla town when Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers allegedly attempted to disrupt a BRS protest. BRS leaders claimed BJP workers hurled footwear at their cadres during what they described as a peaceful demonstration. Police resorted to a mild lathi-charge and detained BJP workers to restore order.
BRS Women Leaders at Charminar
In Hyderabad, women leaders of BRS visited the Bhagya Lakshmi temple at Charminar. Former MLA G. Sunitha told reporters that the group had prayed for 'good wisdom' to be bestowed upon Bandi Sanjay Kumar and his son, and reiterated the demand for the minister's immediate resignation.
KTR Raises Questions on Investigation Fairness
BRS Working President K.T. Rama Rao, speaking on Sunday, demanded the minister's dismissal to ensure a fair and impartial probe. Rama Rao questioned how the accused had allegedly remained untraceable for nine days before his arrest and asked who may have shielded him during that period. He noted that this may be the first instance in India where a lookout notice had to be issued against the son of a sitting Union Minister. Rama Rao also invoked Prime Minister Modi's 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' campaign, arguing that justice for the victim cannot be reduced to political sloganeering.
The Arrest and Remand
Bandi Bhageerath was arrested by Cyberabad Police on the night of 16 May in connection with the POCSO case. He was subsequently produced before a magistrate, who remanded him to judicial custody for 14 days. The case involves the alleged sexual assault of a minor girl, and the charges are governed under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
With protests intensifying and the Opposition demanding accountability, the political pressure on both the Union government and the BJP's Telangana unit is likely to mount in the days ahead.
Point of View
A lookout notice against a sitting minister's son, and the absence of any statement from the Centre create a credibility vacuum that the government cannot paper over with silence. The 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' invocation is a pointed rhetorical trap — one the BJP will find difficult to deflect without either defending the inaction or distancing itself from its own minister.
NationPress
21 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Bandi Bhageerath arrested?
Bandi Bhageerath, son of Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar, was arrested by Cyberabad Police on 16 May in connection with a POCSO case involving the alleged sexual assault of a minor girl. He was remanded to judicial custody for 14 days after being produced before a magistrate.
What is BRS demanding from the Centre?
BRS is demanding the immediate dismissal of Union MoS Bandi Sanjay Kumar from the Union Cabinet, arguing that his continuation in office compromises the fairness of the investigation into his son's POCSO case. The party has called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to act if the minister does not resign voluntarily.
What did K.T. Rama Rao say about the case?
BRS Working President K.T. Rama Rao questioned how the accused allegedly remained untraceable for nine days before his arrest and asked who protected him during that period. He also noted that this may be the first time in India a lookout notice was issued against the son of a sitting Union Minister.
What happened during the Sircilla protest?
Tensions erupted at Netanna Chowrasta in Sircilla town when BJP workers allegedly attempted to disrupt a BRS protest and hurled footwear at BRS cadres. Police intervened with a mild lathi-charge and detained BJP workers to restore order.
What is the POCSO Act?
The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act is an Indian law that provides a legal framework for the protection of children from sexual abuse and exploitation. Cases under POCSO are tried in special courts and carry stringent penalties upon conviction.
