Daijiworld Media Network – Hyderabad
Hyderabad, May 16: Bandi Sanjay Kumar’s son Bandi Bhageerath surrendered before police in connection with a case registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act after authorities issued a look-out circular against him to prevent him from leaving the country.
The case was registered based on a complaint filed by the mother of a 17-year-old girl.
In a statement, Bandi Sanjay Kumar said that out of respect for the law, he had handed over his son through legal representatives for police investigation.
The Union Minister stated that everyone was equal before the law, whether an ordinary citizen or his own son, and added that all individuals must abide by legal procedures.
Earlier, the BJP leader from Telangana had alleged that his family was being deliberately targeted and maligned.
According to Bandi Sanjay Kumar, his son has consistently maintained that he committed no wrongdoing. He said the family initially planned to surrender him immediately after the complaint was lodged, but legal advisors reportedly believed the case would eventually be dismissed and bail would likely be granted, leading to the delay.
The minister said that although court orders on the matter were expected on Monday, he chose not to delay the investigation further and voluntarily handed over his son.
He also expressed confidence in the judiciary and said the decision was taken to uphold respect for the legal system.
The Cyberabad Police had earlier issued a look-out circular against Bhageerath after booking him under the POCSO Act.
Meanwhile, K Kavitha wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking the removal of Bandi Sanjay Kumar from the Union Cabinet to ensure a fair investigation into the case.
In a setback to Bhageerath, the Telangana High Court on Friday declined to grant him interim protection from arrest while hearing his anticipatory bail plea.
Police registered the case on May 8 under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the POCSO Act based on allegations made by the girl’s mother.
According to the complaint, Bhageerath allegedly developed a relationship with the minor around June 2025 through mutual acquaintances and continued communication through Instagram and Snapchat.
The complainant alleged that he gained the minor’s trust by promising marriage after she turned 18 and subjected her to emotional pressure. Following the victim’s statement, police invoked additional stringent provisions under the POCSO Act.
Bhageerath has also filed a counter-complaint alleging that the girl and her family later pressured him for marriage and money.
In his complaint, he claimed that he had accompanied the girl’s family on visits to religious places because he trusted them. He further alleged that after rejecting the marriage proposal, the family demanded money and threatened to file false cases against him.
Bhageerath alleged that he paid Rs 50,000 to the girl’s father out of fear, but later faced demands of Rs 5 crore and threats that the girl’s mother would commit suicide if the demands were not met.