Hyderabad: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Monday directed DGP C V Anand to constitute special teams and expedite the investigation into the POCSO case registered against Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar's son, Bandi Bhageerath, following allegations of sexual harassment of a minor girl. Revanth sought an explanation from the DGP on why no action had been taken despite the complaint being registered on May 8.
Security Arrangements for PM Modi's Visit Cited
The DGP reportedly explained that police officials and personnel were occupied with security arrangements for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the city on May 10. Addressing the delay, the CM said the case would be investigated from both angles — the complaint lodged by the girl's family at Pet Basheerabad police station and the case filed by Bandi Bhageerath in Karimnagar.
Speaking to reporters during an informal interaction at his residence, Revanth stated: "Today morning, I held a review meeting with the DGP, who informed me that around 10,000 police personnel, including senior officers, were engaged in PM Modi's security arrangements on May 9 and 10. As a result, the inquiry will now be expedited."
Senior Woman IPS Officer to Record Victim's Statement
"Since this is a sensitive issue involving a minor girl, I instructed the DGP to appoint a senior woman IPS officer to interact with the family and record the victim's statement. No one is above the law. The Congress government has spared no one so far and will not do so in future either," he said. DCP (Kukatpally) Ritiraj has been tasked with supervising the investigation.
CM Rejects Allegations by BRS Leaders
Responding to allegations made by BRS leaders K T Rama Rao and R S Praveen Kumar, the CM said the government could not function according to their directions and that the investigation would proceed strictly as per law. "R S Praveen Kumar himself served as an IPS officer but seems to have forgotten that he took voluntary retirement from service. Both KTR and Praveen Kumar can approach the police if they have any evidence or information related to the case," Revanth Reddy said.
Thorough Probe into All Aspects
On Bhageerath's claim that the girl was not a minor, the CM said every aspect of the case would be thoroughly investigated. "There is no exemption for anyone. The law is equal for all," he added.
Child Rights Commission Takes Suo Motu Cognisance
Meanwhile, the Telangana State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (TSCPCR) chairperson K Sita Dayakar Reddy said the commission had taken suo motu cognisance of the alleged POCSO Act violation involving the Union minister's son. The commission said it had directed the Cyberabad police commissioner to conduct an inquiry into the matter and submit a status report on priority.
