Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar hands over son accused in sexual assault case to police

Bandi Sanjay Kumar’s son, Bandi Bhageerath, surrendered before police in a POCSO case after authorities issued a lookout circular to prevent him from leaving the country.

In a statement, the Union minister said he handed over his son through lawyers “out of respect for the law” and stressed that everyone is equal before the law, whether a minister’s son or an ordinary citizen.

Bandi Sanjay Kumar said Bhageerath has consistently denied wrongdoing. He claimed the family initially intended to cooperate immediately after the complaint was filed, but lawyers advised them that the case was weak and bail would likely be granted, leading to a delay.

The minister added that despite expectations of favourable court orders on Monday, he decided not to delay further and sent his son for investigation to uphold faith in the judicial process.

The Cyberabad Police had issued a lookout circular against Bhageerath after booking him under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.

Meanwhile, K Kavitha wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding Bandi Sanjay Kumar’s removal from the Union Cabinet to ensure a fair probe.

In a setback to Bhageerath, the Telangana High Court on Friday refused interim protection from arrest while hearing his anticipatory bail plea.

Police registered the case on May 8 under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the POCSO Act following a complaint by the mother of a 17-year-old girl, who alleged Bhageerath sexually harassed her daughter after promising marriage once she turned 18.

According to the complaint, the two became acquainted around June 2025 through mutual contacts and remained in touch via Instagram and Snapchat.

After recording the minor’s statement, police invoked stricter sections of the POCSO Act.

Bhageerath also filed a counter-complaint, alleging the girl’s family pressured him into marriage and later demanded money after he refused.

He claimed he paid Rs 50,000 out of fear after threats of false complaints, and alleged the family later demanded Rs 5 crore while threatening that the girl’s mother would die by suicide if he failed to comply.