Cyberabad Police in Telangana have significantly stepped up their investigation into the POCSO case registered against Bandi Bhagirath, son of Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar, following intervention by the state's top leadership. The case, which involves alleged sexual assault on a 17-year-old girl, was first registered on 8 May at Pet Basheerabad Police Station in Hyderabad.

DCP Takes Charge of Investigation

Deputy Commissioner of Police Ritiraj visited Pet Basheerabad Police Station on 11 May, hours after being appointed to supervise the probe. The DCP (Kukatpally) reviewed case details and held discussions with the concerned Assistant Commissioner of Police and the Station House Officer.

Speaking to the media after her visit, DCP Ritiraj confirmed that the victim's statement had already been recorded. "We have drafted a plan of action, and we will proceed accordingly," she said, adding that further information was still needed from the victim.

The officer indicated that the accused is currently absconding. "If the police find the accused, they would definitely arrest him," she said. Police are also analysing the accused's Call Detail Records (CDR) to trace his whereabouts.

Chief Minister Intervenes, Orders Special Teams

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy directed Director General of Police C. V. Anand to immediately initiate a comprehensive investigation into the matter. The DGP was instructed to constitute special teams for the probe.

Chief Minister Reddy also questioned the DGP over the delay in taking action, noting that the complaint had been lodged on 8 May but swift steps were not taken immediately. The intervention signals the political sensitivity of the case, given the accused's father's position in the Union Cabinet.

What the FIR Alleges

According to the complainant — the victim's mother — Bandi Bhagirath, aged 25, allegedly harassed their daughter for over six months. He reportedly also misbehaved with her at a farmhouse in Moinabad. A case has been registered against him under Section 11 read with Section 12 of the POCSO Act and Sections 74 and 75 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The Telangana State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (TSCPCR) has also formed a special bench to hear the case, underscoring the institutional gravity of the allegations.

Counter-Complaint and Political Denial

In a parallel development, Bhagirath had earlier filed a complaint at Karimnagar II Town Police Station, alleging that the girl and her parents attempted to honeytrap him and demanded ₹5 crore to not file a complaint. Based on his complaint, a case was registered against the girl and her parents under BNS sections relating to extortion, criminal intimidation, criminal conspiracy, and common intention.

Meanwhile, Union MoS Bandi Sanjay Kumar has denied the allegations against his son, claiming that political rivals were attempting to tarnish his image through false accusations. The denial has done little to reduce pressure on law enforcement, with the Chief Minister's direct intervention making the case a high-profile test of Telangana Police's impartiality.

With the accused still at large and multiple institutional bodies now monitoring the case, the next few days are likely to be critical in determining the direction of the investigation.