The son of Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar has been arrested by Telangana Police in connection with a case registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The accused, Bandi Sai Bhageerath, was taken into custody on Saturday night after a Look Out Circular was issued and police teams conducted searches across multiple locations.
According to police officials, the case involves allegations made by a 17-year-old girl. Investigators said the accused was apprehended following a manhunt after he allegedly failed to appear before police despite summons being issued earlier.
The Telangana High Court had earlier refused to grant interim protection from arrest to Bhageerath while hearing his anticipatory bail plea. Following the court’s decision, police intensified efforts to trace him.
Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar said his son had been asked to cooperate fully with investigators and maintained that “everyone is equal before the law.” In a public statement, he said the matter should proceed through the legal process and asserted respect for the judiciary and police investigation.
Police officials stated that the charges were later strengthened after recording the survivor’s statement before a magistrate. The investigation is being supervised by senior officers of the Cyberabad Police.
Bhageerath has denied the allegations and, through legal filings, claimed the relationship was consensual while also alleging that the case stemmed from attempts to pressure and extort him. Police have said both the POCSO complaint and related counter-complaints are being investigated separately.
The case has triggered major political attention in Telangana due to Bandi Sanjay Kumar’s position as Union Minister of State for Home Affairs and senior BJP leader. Further legal proceedings are expected in the coming days.
