The Telangana High Court on Wednesday denied interim relief to Bageerath, the son of Union Minister Bandi Sanjay, in a case registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The case was filed based on a complaint by the mother of a 17-year-old girl, who alleged that Bageerath was in a relationship with her daughter and sexually harassed her.
Case Background
The complaint, lodged earlier this year, accuses Bageerath of engaging in a relationship with the minor and subjecting her to sexual harassment. The mother approached the police after discovering the alleged relationship, leading to the registration of a case under relevant sections of the POCSO Act and the Indian Penal Code.
Legal Proceedings
Bageerath had sought interim relief from the High Court, requesting protection from arrest or other coercive measures. However, the court, after hearing arguments from both sides, declined to grant any interim relief. The bench observed that the allegations were serious and required a thorough investigation.
The court directed the investigating agency to proceed with the probe in accordance with the law and submit a status report within four weeks. The next hearing is scheduled for June 2026.
Reactions
Union Minister Bandi Sanjay has not commented on the matter. The victim's family has expressed satisfaction with the court's decision, stating that they trust the judicial process. Legal experts note that the denial of interim relief indicates the court's prima facie view on the gravity of the allegations.
The case has drawn significant attention due to the political stature of the accused's father. However, the court emphasized that the law would take its own course without any external influence.
