Telangana's minister for transport and backward classes welfare, Ponnam Prabhakar, on Monday, 11 May called on Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar to cooperate fully in the investigation into allegations against his son Bandi Bhagiratha, against whom a POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) case has been registered. Prabhakar made clear that the Telangana government is not acting out of political vendetta in pursuing the matter.

Key Demands from the State Government

Prabhakar argued that as a Union Minister, Bandi Sanjay should have been the first to demand a fair and transparent inquiry rather than alleging a conspiracy. "The questions are simple: Did the girl meet you or not? Was your son in contact with the girl or not? These are the facts that must be established," Prabhakar said in a statement.

He further stated, "Before making political accusations, you must first prove your innocence. As the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, you should set an example by allowing the law to take its own course."

Chief Minister's Directive and Investigation Details

According to Prabhakar, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has personally spoken to the Director General of Police (DGP) and ordered a thorough, impartial inquiry. Notably, the investigation is being led by a woman DCP officer, a detail the minister highlighted to underscore the seriousness and sensitivity with which the case is being handled.

"No matter how powerful they may be, those found guilty cannot escape the law. The Chief Minister has personally directed the DGP to ensure that the investigation is impartial and free from any external pressure. There will be no political interference and no deviation during the inquiry," Prabhakar said.

Warning Against Political Interference

The state minister also cautioned against attempts to obstruct the investigation using power or influence. "If anyone uses power or influence to obstruct the investigation, democracy will not tolerate it," he said. Prabhakar also dismissed any attempt to frame the issue along caste or community lines, stating that bringing BC (Backward Classes) politics into the matter is neither appropriate nor necessary.

Government's Stance on Victim Protection

Prabhakar emphasised that the Telangana government's priority is the protection of women and girls in the state. "The Telangana government has no discrimination against anyone. It is the responsibility of the government to protect the daughters of Telangana. In such matters, the Telangana government stands firmly with the victim and will ensure that the women and girls of Telangana feel protected and reassured," he said. The case comes amid heightened political tensions between the ruling Indian National Congress (INC)-led Telangana government and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), of which Bandi Sanjay is a prominent leader. As the investigation proceeds, all eyes will be on whether the inquiry remains insulated from political pressures on both sides.