Telangana High Court grants bail to Union minister's son in POCSO case
The Telangana High Court on Thursday granted bail to Bageerath, the son of a Union minister, in a case registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The court allowed his plea on furnishing two sureties of Rs 1 lakh each, along with other conditions.
Conditions imposed by the court
Justice K. Lakshman, who heard the bail application, directed Bageerath to cooperate with the investigation and appear before the investigating officer as and when required. The court also imposed a condition that he shall not tamper with evidence or influence witnesses. The accused was arrested earlier this month after a complaint was filed by the mother of a minor girl.
Background of the case
The case pertains to allegations of sexual assault against a 15-year-old girl. The complainant alleged that Bageerath had inappropriate contact with her daughter. Following the complaint, the police registered a case under Sections 4 and 8 of the POCSO Act. Bageerath had been in judicial custody since his arrest.
The prosecution opposed the bail, arguing that the accused could influence the victim and other witnesses. However, the defense counsel contended that the allegations were false and that Bageerath was being framed. The court, after hearing both sides, observed that the investigation was at a preliminary stage and granted bail with stringent conditions.
Impact and next steps
The bail order has sparked discussions about the handling of POCSO cases involving influential individuals. Legal experts note that the conditions imposed are standard in such cases to ensure the accused does not obstruct justice. The case will now proceed with further investigation, and the next hearing is scheduled for later this month.
